Lakewood Firefighter Honored On Decorative Stone At West Pierce Fire & Rescue

On April 25, 1982, Lakewood firefighter Raymond Kadow was directing traffic near a house fire when he started getting chest pains.

The department's "Lakewood Fireman of the Year" in 1978 was transported to what was then Lakewood General Hospital, where he passed away shortly afterward.

Earlier this month, Kadow was one of two firefighters whose names are etched on a decorative stone in West Pierce Fire & Rescue's 9/11 Reflection Park.

The tribute at the top of the stone reads; “We will never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.  May they be forever in our hearts and minds.”

Here's the release from the department:

On Saturday, March 2^nd, West Pierce Fire & Rescue dedicated a large decorative stone that has been installed in the 9/11 Reflection Park to honor those lost in the line of duty.  Currently, there are two names listed on the stone; Merritt Nichols from the University Place Fire Department and Raymond Kadow from the Lakewood Fire Department.  Both of these gentlemen died in the line of duty, serving their respective fire departments. 

West Pierce hopes these two names are the only ones ever etched on this stone, and the tribute at the top of the stone reads; “We will never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.  May they be forever in our hearts and minds.”

Merritt Nichols was responding to a call for a baby not breathing on May 11, 1962, when his vehicle collided with another vehicle driven by another volunteer firefighter responding to the call.  He was survived by his wife and three sons.

Raymond Kadow was a volunteer for the Lakewood Fire Department and received recognition as “Lakewood Fireman of the Year” in 1978.  On April 25, 1982, he collapsed with chest pains while directing traffic at the scene of a house fire and was rushed to Lakewood General Hospital, where he passed away.  He was survived by his wife and three children.  His son, Roy Kadow, went on to serve the Lakewood Fire Department for more than 38 years, before retiring in 2008.

This dedication ceremony was held at the 9/11 Reflection Park, where the stone stands near the entrance to the station.  As the park is intended for reflection and remembers those who have passed in the line of duty and we will never forget.