Dolton to rededicate street in late firefighter's honor

DOLTON, Ill. (AP) - Sept. 9 was Lawrence Matthews' birthday and the day he started his career as a Dolton firefighter. This year, it will be the day the city memorializes him.

The (Tinley Park) Daily Southtown reports that officials will rename a portion of Park Avenue that runs past First Station No. 1 as "Firefighter Lawrence Matthews Way" on Saturday. A plaque in Matthews' honor will be unveiled.

The eight-year veteran died in the line of duty in June. He was a heart transplant recipient who went into cardiac arrest fighting a house fire.

Matthews had his doctors' encouragement two years after the transplant when he joined the department in 2009.

Fire Chief Steven McCain says Matthews had a passion for his community. He says the department is still adjusting to the loss.