West Allis Fire Department Mourns 10-year-old Honorary Member

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI— The West Allis Fire Department is mourning the loss of a little girl who became an honorary firefighter for a day in January 2020.

Mackenzie Clyde, 10, died of cancer on Friday.

Patch reached out to her mother but haven't heard back as of Friday afternoon.

In January of 2020 she was an honorary West Allis Firefighter for a day and was joined by the West Allis Police Department and the community for a special day at the fire station.

The fire department posed on social media and described Clyde as "one of the bravest souls we've ever had the privilege of knowing."

The department celebrated Mackenzie last year, on Jan. 17, 2020, when Mayor Dan Devine declared "Mackenzie Clyde Day" in West Allis.

"We proudly named Mackenzie an honorary member of West Allis Fire Department for the day and had a wonderful time welcoming her friends and family to Station 2 for a party full of rainbow cake, hot chocolate, and unicorns, some of Mackenzie's favorite things. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to know this remarkable young lady. Our hearts go out to her loved ones, and we wish them peace during this difficult time," the post said.

Devine told Patch he was incredibly sad to learn of the passing of Mackenzie earlier Friday after a courageous battle with cancer.

"She fought with strength, dignity, and always found way to give you a smile on what seemed to be her worst days. She was an advocate for childhood cancer research, worked with other children fighting cancer to make blankets for patients at Children’s Hospital, and helped host blood drives at City Hall. My heart is with all who knew and loved her during this difficult time," Devine said.

The following MACC video was created in 2018.

My Friend Linkin is a non-profit where kids write books about kids with cancer. It was founded by Naudia Greenawalt and Linkin Eger when Naudia wrote a book about Linkin, who suffers from a brain tumor.

Linkin was the first child who wrote a book about their friend Mackenzie Clyde and her journey with cancer, according to the website.

"This process provides hope and joy to the children who are at the center of the book. Not only is the story personal, but it answers questions many adults are afraid of asking. Living the story through a child’s eye can answer many of the questions both adults and children want to know the answers to, including a child’s fear, excitement, and hope," the website said.