LANCASTER, Pa. — A Lancaster firefighter has died of injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash last month, his union announced on Sunday.
Chris McCann, the Second Driver of C-Platoon Engine Company 1 in the city, died on Oct. 14, Lancaster Professional Firefighters IAAF Local 319 said Sunday on Facebook.
He sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle crash while traveling to work on Sept. 28, the union said.
McCann served in Lancaster for just under 10 years, working across all four platoons in the Lancaster City Bureau of Fire. He held positions of Platoon Man, Second Driver and First Driver, the union said.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Chris McCann, 2nd Driver of C-Platoon Engine Company 1, on October 14th, 2023. He was involved in a serious motorcycle accident while traveling to work on September 28th.
"He was a wealth of knowledge that never stopped learning," the union's tribute to McCann reads. "Chris had a diverse range of skills, knowledge, and abilities to include his passion for pumps, vehicle rescue, ropes and just plain being a nozzle-man. His ability to maneuver an apparatus was like no other.
"Chris’s laugh was infectious, which is a good thing because we heard it a lot. Known for being one of the most loving members of the department, you could always count on him to be there for anyone at any time. Chris not only cared about everyone, but wanted to know about the small details. He never asked 'How’s your family?', but would ask about each member individually. He had a gift for just listening when you needed an ear."
McCann was seriously injured in the crash, and was initially given a one percent chance of survival due to the extent of his injuries, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help his family with medical expenses.
"There is now a void in the department that can never be filled," the professional firefighters union said. "We know that you loved your job in so many ways, and we will carry your legacy onwards for generations of firefighters to come, across our department and beyond."
