WASHINGTON — D.C. City Council declared Sunday “Kevin McRae Day” as a tribute to the fallen firefighter who died in the line of duty in May. Sunday would have marked McRae’s 45th birthday.
Firefighters from across D.C. gathered in full dress uniform and walked from Engine Company Six, where McRae was stationed, to 7th and O Streets where McRae died from cardiac arrest while responding to a high-rise fire. It was a walk of remembrance to honor McRae who joined the fire department in 1989.
During a short solemn ceremony at the site, a wreath was laid and the lieutenant was given a collective salute from his fellow firefighters.
McRae’s mother, Brenda Hackett, says the outpouring of love helps. “It does. It still hurts but it does, yes.” Denise Johnson a family friend says, “It’s emotional. It brings back all those first day memories.”
Kevin McRae’s 18-year-old son, Davon McRae, wants to join the fire department and to continue his father’s legacy. He says he’ll be joining the next firefighter’s academy class.
Davon McRae says his dad’s loss makes him want to join the fire department even more. “To honor him and be like him,” he says and adds, “I’m a proud son. My father was a hero.”
Also Kevin McRae’s cousin, Michael McRae wants to become a firefighter.
“It’s just something I always wanted to do when I was younger. I looked at Kevin (McRae) and Jamie (James McRae, III) and wanted to follow the tradition. And I feel it’s something in my heart that I want to do,” he says,
This is not the family’s first firefighter to die in the line of duty. Seven years ago, Kevin McRae’s cousin (James McRae, III) died after going into cardiac arrest. He was 34 years old.
James McRae, II says, “My son died seven years ago and this is my nephew and it hurts, it hurts. But I’m proud of both of them. ”
