Delco Man, Philly Firefighter Dies Fighting Saturday Blaze

A Delaware County man who was a lieutenant in the Philadelphia Fire Department died Saturday Jan. 6 while battling a residential fire in North Philadelphia, according to fire department officials.

Lt. Matthew LeTourneau, 42, of Springfield, died from injuries suffered while responding to a rowhouse fire on the 2200 block of Colorado Street in Philadelphia Saturday morning.

LeTourneau is a 1993 graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School and a graduate of Delaware County Community College.

The fire department said LeTourneau became pinned under debris in the home while fighting the fire. A civilian was also killed in Saturday's fire.

Two other firefighters were injured in the blaze, according to the fire department.

Crews responded to a rowhouse fire at 8:51 a.m. on the 2200 block of Colorado Street and arrived on scene three minutes later, the fire department said.

"Our hearts are breaking," Fire Commissioner Adam K. Thiel said of LeTourneau's death. "And we are without words."

The City of Philadelphia will be fly flags at half-staff for 30 days in memory of LeTourneau.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Lt. Matthew LeTournea," Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement. "I am grateful for his outstanding service to our city during his 11-year career. It is always a tragedy to lose a first responder in the line of duty. Lt. LeTourneau sacrificed his life trying to save others. Our firefighters demonstrate tremendous acts of heroism every single day. I extend my sincerest condolences to his family. Please keep his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time."

According to the fire department, LeTourneau was an 11-year veteran of the department. He previously served at Engine 43 and Engine 57, and was promoted to lieutenant in 2015. He received a unit citation in 2010 and a letter of commendation for his service during the World Meeting of Families in 2015, the fire department said.

Funeral arrangements for LeTourneau are pending.

The Philadelphia Fire Department said via Twitter crews had the fire under control at 10:48 a.m.

The fire's cause remains under investigation.

Patch file photo