Shawn Carroll, 38, An Inspirational Joliet Firefighter, Dies After Illness

JOLIET, IL - Joliet Fire Department Lt. Shawn Carroll, who was incredibly well-liked by his professional colleagues and a source of inspiration to countless people, died Saturday after a second bout of cancer. He was 38. Carroll had been a member of the Joliet Fire Department since 2000.

Shawn's wife, Krissi, posted the sad news of her husband's death on Facebook on Saturday afternoon.

"At 1:25 p.m. Shawn Carroll, peacefully left his earthly body to gain his angel wings. It was the most peaceful thing I've ever seen. I feel comfort knowing he is no longer in pain, suffering, waiting on those next set of results. He will be deeply missed but asked that all of us smile and think of your favorite memory of him."

Krissi Carroll also made it a point to extend a sincere thank you to every single person for their love and support, saying, "I know that Shawn would be deeply appreciative of the way you all have surrounded me with your love to hold me up," she wrote on Facebook.

A Joliet native, Shawn Carroll graduated from Joliet Catholic Academy, studied fire science at Joliet Junior College and engineering at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He had served as a lieutenant paramedic for Joliet, according to his Facebook profile.

Dozens of people took to social media to post their heartfelt condolences to Carroll's family including members of other fire departments. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

"RIP Lieutenant Shawn Carroll of the Joliet Fire Department, an inspiration to many, he bravely fought until his body could not fight anymore," wrote the Park Forest Firefighters Local 1263 on Facebook. "He courageously fought for the last few years and was out helping visit others who were battling till the very end. Our thoughts are with the entire Carroll family, and his firefighter family and friends."

In late November, Joliet Patch wrote a story about Carroll and his battle to beat cancer a second time. The article noted that Carroll had previously beat cancer a few years ago, only to recently learn that the cancer had returned and was now in his lung. You can go here to visit the GoFundMe page established for him.

Besides his wife, Krissi, the couple had two young daughters.

"They are a family that gives back through the organization Pink Heals," Shawn Carroll's GoFundMe page stated. "They support this organization in ensuring those battling cancer receive the strength and support they need while journeying down that long and scary road."

File Image via Patch