Submitted by a Friend
From the April 2nd, 1993 edition of the Daily Record, Morris County, NJ:
Lewis R. Sheats died yesterday from injuries sustained while fighting a fire in Chatham. He was 51.
He was born in Summit and later moved to Chatham.
Mr. Sheats was a lieutenant firefighter for the South Orange Fire Department for 19 years. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Chatham Borough Fire Department for 23 years and was the department’s former deputy chief.
He was an army veteran of the Korean War. He owned L.R.S. Video, a video photography company. He formerly was a mechanic for C & C Motors in Madison.
Wednesday, April 1st, 2015 marks 22 years that you were taken from us. All of these years have passed, and I still think of you and the positive effect you had on my career. You were one of my first mentors, and I never had the opportunity to tell you that. You left us with a lasting legacy, and while you may be gone, you will never be forgotten.
A Fallen Firefighter’s Prayer
Brother, when you weep for me, remember that it was meant to be. Lay me down and when you leave, remember I’ll be at your sleeve.
In every dark and choking hall, I’ll be there as you slowly crawl. On every roof in driving snow, I’ll hold your coat, and you will know.
The house from which I now respond, is overstaffed with heroes gone. Men who answered one last bell, did the job and did it well.
As firefighters we understand, that death’s card dealt is in our hand. A card we hope we never play, but one we hold there anyway.
That card is something we ignore, as we crawl across a weakened floor. For we know that we’re the only prayer, for anyone that might be there.
So remember as you wipe your tears, the joy I knew throughout the years. As I did the job I loved to do, I pray that thought will see you through.
Author Unknown
– Tom AurnhammerThanks to you and all those who put their lives on the line to protect our lives. A great scrifice appreciated.
– Paul HartmanLew, I miss you. We had some great times at the South Orange Fire Department. We built a giant “Tide Box” for you to display at Dover Downs during a NASCAR. We fought fires together. I cared for you after the incident in the workshop. I still remember getting the call from the firehouse of your passing. I hope to see you again in Heaven my friend.
– John R ShoemakerMiss you Uncle Lew. A dedicated fireman a great family man a fun guy and a second father and friend.
– Richard EngleFirefighters…the ones running into the fire while everyone else is running out.
A Great Man and May this Great Man RIP as a great man is so deserved!
Ed McNany
– Ed McNanySpringield PD (Ret)