Delco Offering Bus Rides, Live Stream Of Lt LeTourneau's Services

As Delaware County mourns the loss of its own Matthew LeTourneau, 42 – who died in the line of duty battling a rowhouse fire in North Philadelphia Saturday, Jan. 6 – the county is offering ways for local residents to attend and view LeTourneau's funeral services.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 1723 Race St., Philadelphia. Interment will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, 600 South Sproul Road, Springfield.

Public viewings will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, as well as from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12.

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The county is providing buses for Delaware County fire, police and EMS agencies, as well as the members of the public, who wish to attend Thursday's viewing. Buses will leave from the rear parking lot of Cardinal O'Hara High School, 1701 Sproul Road, Springfield, at 4 p.m. Thursday.

Buses will return to the high school following the viewing.

The high school will also host a live viewing via closed-circuit TV of the funeral mass at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, the county said.

Following the mass viewing, attendees will be directed to the Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery to line up in the designated area before the procession arrives from the city.

Light refreshments and restrooms will be available at the school.

"Delaware County continues to mourn the loss of Lieutenant Matthew LeTourneau. We thank all of the First Responders for their coordinated efforts to plan the transportation, live streaming for the community to pay their final respects, and the final salute and honor at the burial site," Delaware County Council Chairman John McBlain said. "We ask all residents to join us in keeping his family, friends, the Philadelphia Fire Department and the entire Delaware County family of First Responders in your thoughts and prayers."

LeTourneau was a graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School and Delaware County Community College.

He was an 11-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department. He previously served at Engine 43 and Engine 57, and was promoted to lieutenant in 2015.

In 2015, LeTourneau received a unit citation in 2010 and a letter of commendation for his service during the World Meeting of Families, the fire department said.

The City of Philadelphia is flying flags at half-staff for 30 days in memory of LeTourneau.

Image via Shutterstock