Junior firefighter Chris Kangas honored: βWe will never forget him β that is for certainβ
Had he lived, Christopher Kangas would be turning 30 years old tomorrow.
May 5, 2002- Christopher Kangas, a 14 year old Junior Firefighter with Brookhaven Volunteer Fire Company was struck and killed by a car while bicycling to the fire station in response to a fire call. In the period following his death, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognized FF Kangas as a Firefighter, and also recognized that his death occurred while in the line of duty. Although recognized by the State, the Federal government ruled that FF Kangas did not meet the criteria to be recognized as a firefighter, therefore denying him a place on the Memorial Wall at the National Firefighters Memorial in Emmittsburg, Maryland. FF Kangasβ mother appealed this decision to the Department of Justice, who has jurisdiction over this matter.
Had he lived, Christopher Kangas would be turning 30 years old tomorrow.
After an almost five year battle to have their son recognized as a firefighter, a family from Delaware County has lost their fight.
The federal government could never deliver a gut punch more painful to Julie Amber-Messick than the loss of her son.
The final appeal by the PSOB regarding survivor benefits for Brookhaven Firefighter Christopher Kangas is scheduled for Thursday, January 11th, 2007.
Many of you have been asking what you can do to help with the Chris Kangas case. Here is what you can do to have an immediate and substantial impact.
In reaction to the recent denial of benefits to Chris Kangas, we are requesting your help with an effort to ensure that his name is included on the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.