Little Firefighter Buried As Hero

[WAS967 97]

Little Firefighter Buried As Hero

Shawn Strickland, 12, Died Friday

Story by Boston Channel

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Firefighters from two states came together Wednesday to honor the memory of a little boy.

NewsCenter 5's Jorge Quiroga reported that when Shawn Strickland was 7 months old, he became one of the nation's youngest heart transplant patients. But last week, at age 12, he lost his battle with heart disease. Originally from Massachusetts, the Strickland family moved to Virginia, and with the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he became a firefighter.

"He passed the test. He enlightened all of us he energized our spirit as firefighters," said Virginia Beach Fire Capt. Alton Whitehurst. "He was just a pleasure to be with. He deserved this honor."

Last May, Strickland's wish came true when he was made a full-fledged firefighter with the Virginia Beach Fire Department.

Developmentally disabled, Strickland died last Friday after a life long battle with heart disease.

"Shawn took over our lives. He rejuvenated many of us in fire service for 30 years or more," said Virginia Beach Fire Battalion Chief Travis Halstead.

Eight Virginia Beach firefighters accompanied Strickland's remains back to his hometown Wednesday.

"We wanted to make Shawn's wish special that day, but we also wanted to make his wish special for the rest of his life," said Halstead.

The firefighters took him into their hearts and family. They even made a special set of gear just for him.

"You could see the happiness in his eyes, the strength and courage that he showed us every moment we were around him," said Virginia Beach Firefighter Hans Watchmeisater.

Strickland's badge, No. 525, was retired from service with full honors.

"It's a brotherhood even for a small member like Shawn. When they told us he was a fully sworn in member of the Virginia Beach Fire, that's all we needed to know," said Framingham Fire Department Chief Kevin Burns.

Friends say Strickland battled his illness like a hero, and Wednesday, he was buried as one.