By Laura French
CLEVELAND — A Cleveland fire lieutenant has died due to COVID-19.
Cleveland Fire Fighters IAFF Local 93 President Francis X. Lally announced in a Facebook post that Lt. Richard A. Petras, 51, died Saturday due to complications from the virus. Petras was a 26-year veteran of the fire service.
“In the face of this pandemic, Rich never neglected his duty and never backed down. He knew the risks, and he continued to serve – a true hero,” Lally wrote.
The union shared an online fundraiser set up to help with Petras’ funeral expenses, which raised more than $27,000 in one day. According to the fundraiser description, Petras died after being rushed to the hospital on Saturday after previously testing positive for the virus.
The union also shared a past news article describing Petras saving four people from an apartment fire on his way to work in 1999.
Petras is survived by his wife Jill and daughters Ashley and Amber.
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