It is with deepest regret and sorrow to report the line-of-duty death of Lieutenant Joseph McCafferty of IAFF Local 291 – Lancaster, Ohio. Brother McCafferty passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2010. He collapsed while working at a structure fire.
The viewing will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Faith Memorial Church, 2160 West Fair Avenue, Lancaster, Ohio 43130-9571 (740) 654-1711. The funeral will be held at the same location on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
Expressions of sympathy or condolences can be sent to Local 291 at 1596 E. Main St., Lancaster, OH 43130.
Joseph M. McCafferty was born on October 14th, 1950. He attended and graduated from the Lancaster City Schools. Joe joined the Lancaster Fire Department on June 1st, 1973. He worked as a firefighter, a paramedic, and an engineer until his promotion to lieutenant on November 7th, 1983. Joe was an excellent example of what a firefighter should be and could often be found showing the young recruits the “ropes”. Lieutenant Joe McCafferty served the Lancaster Fire Department for 37 years. Joe was active in the community and particularly union functions such as “Fill The Boot” and our “Toys for Kids” program. He served as a Union officer and helped negotiate several collective bargaining agreements as part of our wage team. Joe was a devoted family man who liked nothing better than spending times with his 6 grandchildren.
While serving as the fire ground commander on a residential structure fire on January 2nd, 2010, Joe collapsed on the scene and was immediately transported to Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster. He was then transported to Ohio State University Medical Center by helicopter. Joe passed away on January 16th, 2010.
