Myers
Photo courtesy of the Shawnee Township Fire Department (File)
SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP — A local, beloved hero was brought home to Shawnee Township after battling Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Cleveland. Shawnee Township firefighter Matt Myers passed away on Tuesday after months in the hospital. Myers was known throughout the community as a compassionate firefighter who gave much of his life to others.
On Wednesday evening, Myers was transported by the fire department from Cleveland to his home. Community members stood outside as he was brought through the town to honor him one last time.
Since December, community members shared their support by donating to a GoFundme account for Myers and his family to help with any expenses. Myers’ family received over $37,000 in donations, a simple reflection of the impact he made on those around him.
In a recent Facebook post, the department shared that Myers began his career at Shawnee in 2000. In 2018, he became a Fire Prevention Officer and Investigator. Myers devoted this time to teaching children and adults.
The fire department also thanked the community for its condolences and words of encouragement over the past couple of months.
Fellow firefighters previously sang the praises of Myers in a December 2022 article in The Lima News.
“He has a beautiful wife, who teaches kindergarten at Shawnee Schools,” said Shawnee Township Firefighter Joshua Hodges. “He has two children, his oldest daughter is recently married, and his son is working his way through Apollo’s Firefighter program. Matt and his family are very active in his church. Matt is a man of strong integrity. His dedication to his fellow firefighters, his family and his community, is unmatched.”
Batallion Chief and Public Information Officer for the Shawnee Township Fire Department said that Myers never met a stranger. Norris said he was one of the most genuine people.
The department shared in the Facebook post they plan to continue to honor Myers by serving the needs of the community.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
