Firefighter Walter P. Harris was killed in a roof collapse while fighting a fire that had been intentionally set in a vacant residential structure. A 17-year veteran with the department‚ he worked his entire career at the Squad 3/Engine 23 firehouse.
Walter grew up on east side of Detroit and graduated from Detroit De La Salle High School. After graduation‚ he went to the fire academy.
Walter was a minister at Community Christian Fellowship Church
Walter Harris was survived by his wife‚ Syri; and his six sons‚ James‚ Robert‚ Patrick‚ Caleb‚ Walter Jr.‚ and Christian.
His son‚ James Hill Harris‚ also a member of Detroit Fire Department‚ said: He taught life lessons about integrity and hard work. His favorite saying was‚ ‘I can sleep when I’m dead‚ but for now I’ve got work to do.’ He showed me: This is what it means to be a father and husband. This is what it means to be a man.
I salute you Walter Harris Sr for your service to our city. Mother of Dwayne Albert
– Scarlett JohnsonI heard about you at center line high school, I’m so happy to hear that you were a hard working man and was a minister. You are a true hero and a loving father. And for the family I want you to know that Jesus is always with you and will always love you. God bless you guys
– Adrian younusThank you for everything
– Ifty