Cranston Firefighters Mourn The Loss Of Captain Greg Coleman

CRANSTON, RI — The Cranston Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of its own. On Tuesday night, the president of the department's union announced the death of Captain Greg Coleman following a battle with cancer.

"There are no words to express my respect and appreciation for what Greg Coleman was to me and to our Local," Scott Robinson wrote in a post on Facebook. "This job and union will NEVER have another like him and we should all strive to carry his legacy."

Coleman died from occupational cancer on Monday night, Robinson said, adding that the Rhode Island State Association of Firefighters argued to clarify the state's cancer presumption just one night before.

A wake will be held for Coleman at the Nardolillo Funeral Home on Sunday. Firefighters are asked to arrive at 3:15 p.m. for a walkthrough at 3:30 p.m., ahead of the regular hours from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A ceremony will be held at the funeral home at 9 a.m. on Monday. The family asked for honor guards from the East Greenwich and Cranston departments only. A celebration of life will be held at the Kelly Gazarro VFW Post on Plainfield Pike. All are welcome.

Any firefighters who attend the wake or ceremony are asked to wear their Class A uniform.