Edward was hired into the Chicago Fire Department as a trainee in 1987 and served the city of Chicago as a firefighter and engineer for over 32 years. As a firefighter, he was assigned to busy companies including Aerial Tower 1, Engine 13, Engine 60, and finally at Midway Rescue. He was a member of the Chicago African American Firefighters and Paramedics League, a local chapter in the North Central Region of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters. In addition, he attended the Conference North Central Region-International and African American Firefighter Leads. He attended and was most proud to be a graduate of the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute (EDI). Edward also regularly loved to march with the firefighters and help to feed the community in the Bud Billiken parade.

He relished working as a firefighter and was the go-to person for everything. He was always willing to step up and help in any way he could. Everyone loved working with Edward. His smile and willingness to serve others would light up the room. After he would finish his shift, he would come home singing about the goodness of God.

Edward was a loving husband with unconditional devotion to his wife. His love was shown through his actions, compassion, and understanding. The laughter and joy they shared as they walked through life together for 29 years will forever be cherished.

Edward was a phenomenal father and husband. As a dad, he was dedicated to providing for his children. He made sure they felt loved and supported. Edward was very active in his children’s education at Pershing Magnet School and St. Thomas the Apostle. He participated in the Parent-Teacher Association and volunteered as the basketball coach. He visited and continued to volunteer at the schools years after his children moved on to other educational endeavors. He was not only actively present in their lives but instilled in them the importance of having God at the center of your life. He taught his son and daughter how to be strong, caring, and dependent upon their Lord and Savior.

He cared about people and the community. He would truly do anything to help anybody in need. He exemplified for all of us the servanthood of Christ, and his life displayed how the Lord would want us to live and love one another. God called his dear child home on April 14, 2020, at the age of 55.

Edward will forever be missed by his wife, Nicol; daughter, Breonna (Jeremy); son, Edward II; six siblings, family, and many friends.