Tracy Champion was born on September 27, 1956 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was educated in the Philadelphia Public Schools and attended Central and Overbrook High Schools. During his high school years, he lettered in football and track. In 1974, he graduated from high school and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Tracy was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal in 1978.

Tracy was appointed to the Philadelphia Fire Department on April 29, 1985. After graduating from the Fire Academy, he was assigned to several engine companies. He spent seventeen years at Engine 54 on the D platoon until his death on January 28, 2006. Tracy was known to friends and colleagues as “Champ” and was regarded as a senior member of the company, often mentoring newly assigned cadets.

Tracy was a member of Local 22 Union, and the Valiants Firefighters Organization.

Tracy loved his work. He received several awards during his career. In October 2001, he received a Unit Citation for his assistance in rescuing a worker who was trapped below grade on a trench collapse for seven and one-half hours. In October,2003, he was designated Firefighter of the Year by the 19th Police District Advisory Council for his dedicated service to the residents of West Philadelphia. Tracy also received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Pennsylvania Congressman, Bob Brady.

Tracy was the loving husband of Charisse (Crowder) Champion, and the devoted father of Tracy Charles and Timothy James. He was a “family man” who relished taking his family on trips to museums, movies, amusement parks, seashores, and other places they loved. He was a proud dad who enthusiastically attended all of his oldest son’s track meets and community football games and gladly chaperoned his youngest son’s class field trips. When his boys were young, he would take them to his firehouse and let them sit in the fire engine.

“Champ” loved life. He enjoyed playing pool, fishing, golfing, bowling, and riding his motorcycle. He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, zealously supporting the Eagles, 76ers, Phillies and Flyers.

Tracy leaves his wife, sons, mother, and siblings to cherish his memory, always.