The North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center’s Exhibit Hall was dedicated to Jonathan Kennedy during a ceremony on October 14, 2014.
Jonathan Kennedy passed away at age 30 on February 12, 2014 after battling lifelong complications with Crouzon syndrome. At an early age, Jonathan developed a love for the fire service from shadowing his father Gerald Kennedy, a retired Captain in the North Charleston Fire Department, but due to Jonathan’s special needs, he was unable to become a firefighter. Jonathan was never deterred from assisting when possible within the department and was often said to be more aware than fire staff of company assignments and apparatus locations.
His ever-present smile and constant desire to be among firefighters was infectious and he was happily welcomed by the members of the North Charleston Fire Department. To show the department’s admiration for Jonathan, he was named an honorary North Charleston firefighter.
“Jonathan was truly a part of the North Charleston fire department for his entire life,” said North Charleston Fire Chief Greg Bulanow. “He was loved for his brave spirit and for the joy he took in fire trucks and the camaraderie of station life. This dedication ensures that he will always be remembered for the joy he brought to all who knew him.”Jonathan’s obituary and photos from his life.