Rockford Mourns Firefighter John Morgan: Harlem-Roscoe Paramedic Dies on Duty at 53
Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department announces funeral services for Firefighter-Paramedic John Morgan, 53, who died of natural causes while on duty Sunday night in Loves Park.
A community prepares to say goodbye
John Morgan was 53 years old when he stopped breathing in a bathroom during his shift late Sunday night. The Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department has announced funeral services for the firefighter-paramedic, and the community is preparing to gather this weekend.
According to the Winnebago County Coroner's Office, Morgan was found unresponsive and not breathing around 9:20 p.m. after feeling ill while on duty. He was pronounced dead at 10:03 p.m.
The coroner's office conducted an autopsy. The cause of death was ruled natural causes.
Services set for June 7 and 8
Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief John Bergeron announced the funeral arrangements on Wednesday.
"Please continue to keep the Morgan family, friends, and members of the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," Bergeron said.
The schedule for the services is as follows:
- Sunday, June 7 — Visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road. A Firefighter Walkthrough will be conducted at 5:00 p.m. Members of the fire service past and present are asked to assemble at 4:15 p.m. in full Class A Uniform. The request is for HRFD apparatus only.
- Monday, June 8 — Visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Harlem High School Auditorium, 9229 N. Alpine Road. The service will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. Fire Department apparatus is encouraged.
- A graveside service will be held immediately following the funeral at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
A career in service
Morgan served as a firefighter-paramedic with Harlem-Roscoe. He was on duty when he became ill and was found in a bathroom. The exact circumstances of his shift have not been detailed beyond the coroner's timeline.
The Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department covers Loves Park and surrounding areas in Winnebago County. Chief Bergeron's statement asked the public to keep the department and Morgan's loved ones in their thoughts during this period.
The funeral service on Monday is open to the public at Harlem High School. Fire service members are invited to participate in the walkthrough on Sunday evening.