Honorary Chief Kevin Wilson was laid to rest on a cold, clear Saturday, December 12, 2009 morning following a lengthy illness. Kevin had served the Jackson Vol. Fire Co. No. 1 Station 55 and related organizations as firefighter, Secretary, Company President, Relief Association President, Captain and Training Officer totaling over 21 years. He also had served as an elected Fire Commissioner on the Jackson Township Board of Fire Commissioners, Fire District Number 3. Services at the Hassler Funeral Home were followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Aloysius Church in Jackson, with internment at St. Mary of the Lakes Cemetery in Lakewood. Kevin was provided full departmental honors in the funeral.
All four Jackson fire companies — Cassville Station 56, Jackson Mills Station 54, and Whitesville Station 57 as well as representatives from Fire Districts 1, 2, 3 & 4 each participated in the viewings and funeral. Old Engine 5501 was carefully detailed and prepared by volunteers and career staff to carry his casket in a solemn procession from Hassler’s, to St. Al’s, and to Station 55. Chief Mike Fatovic sounded the Last Alarm, followed by a procession past the main fire station on Kevin’s final journey home with his fellow firefighters at his side. The sight was impressive as firefighters from all Jackson companies and districts stood at attention surrounded by Kevin’s family and friends.
The Jackson Vol. Fire Company extends our condolences to Kevin’s widow Mrs. Jeanette Wilson, and to their son Kevin, as well as to the rest of his extended family. Family members announced that a memorial scholarship in Kevin’s honor will be available for fire department members and family of Station 55. He is already missed by his fellow firefighters. Rest in peace, brother.
The Jackson Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 bestowed its highest honor on member and Past President Kevin Wilson by naming him as an Honorary Fire Chief at a dinner event on Saturday April 18, 2009 at the main fire station.