Terrance D’Wayne Freeman‚ known to family as Wayne‚ and known to his fire family and friends as T‚ was born on June 08‚ 1972. He was a gentle giant with a great smile and heart of gold left this earth far too soon. He was always willing to help strangers despite the circumstance‚ especially children. A wonderful man‚ husband‚ father‚ son‚ brother‚ and friend describe only some of the roles he fulfilled during his short time with us. He loved what he did and he did it well no matter what. He was never too busy to lend a helping hand; he had the heart of an angel. Just prior to his death‚ he was recognized for his exemplary customer service.

Terrance was raised and educated in the Catholic and public schools of Chicago. Throughout high school and after graduation he worked 2 jobs until he was sponsored at the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters’ Apprentice and Training Program for 2 years. He studied construction and general carpentry and became a union carpenter. He enjoyed building homes across the city and suburbs. In 2001‚ Terrance met Lawanda‚ they married 2006. In 2003‚ Terrance decided to begin his quest of becoming a firefighter‚ something he always wanted to do. He volunteered at the Naperville Fire Department‚ enrolled in EMT-P courses and applied to several fire departments. Three to four weeks prior to his paramedic graduation from the College of Dupage‚ he was offered a position with Rockford Fire. It was one of the happiest days of his life. He began his probationary training in 2005‚ assigned to the busiest station in Rockford.

Terrance was a strong and caring person and always extended himself to help others. He made friends everywhere he went and was well liked. He enjoyed the job and loved being a husband and father. In 2007‚ Terrance and Lawanda had a son‚ Torrance. He would join the ranks of four other boys‚ Ladarious‚ Terrance‚ Jr.‚ Samuel‚ Rondrell‚ and Trevon. Being a great father is what he strived for. Giving guidance‚ encouragement and just being there for the older boys is something he did with great pride. Terrance was also an extraordinary husband. He and Lawanda were inseparable and were the best of friends. You never saw one without the other. He was thoughtful‚ full of energy and fun‚ and also known to be a prankster. Terrance was a sports fanatic; everyone knew he was a huge basketball and football fan. You could always find him watching a game in his down time. He loved to laugh‚ ride his motorcycle‚ and he loved his dog‚ Roc. Terrance loved his family life and looked forward to building his new home‚ that he designed and planned to help build. He was so meticulous; he went over the blueprints over and over again because he wanted it to be perfect.

Terrance always got a rush when the tones went off. He carried that rush with him away from the station. He displayed it by living everyday to the fullest and by always finding time to smile. He loved the brotherhood that accepted him as family and it gave him the brothers he never had.

Terrance was a gift to all that knew him. His presence was great‚ without him saying a word. Everyone that knew him will feel the great void his absence has left. He is loved and dearly missed‚ especially by his wife. The time God allowed us to have with him will be cherished forever more. He was such an inspiration and had many qualities that made him extraordinary. He had a spirit that made your heart smile. We love you and we miss you!