05/18/2024
The Members of the OR&W Fireman's Association would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Members of the Canton City Fire Department. And the Family of their lost Brother.
It is with immense pain that we share with you the death of Firefighter/ Paramedic Jared Kneale. Jared passed away last night at the age of 42.
Our members are on bended knee grieving. Words cannot describe the void his passing has left in this department. Jared was hired on 4/29/2015 and initially assigned to the 1st battalion where he served for one year. He was transferred to the 2nd battalion where he remained until his passing. Jared was assigned to Ladder Truck 1. He was a member of the TROT team and an integral part of the radio division. Jared spent many hours on his off days repairing radios and knox boxes. His most important role undoubtedly was head chef at station #1. He cooked nearly every meal, a task he took great pride in. Every morning, he imparted the same greeting to incoming and off going crews, a simple "YOOO". Jared had infectious laughter and was all the ringleader for pranks around the station. He had an insatiable love of candy. Most specifically peanut butter m&m's and sweet tart chewys. He always kept the door to his locker open knowing full well the entire crew would sneak handfuls of his candy that he never let run out. Jared had great mechanical aptitude and loved operating the ladder truck and its equipment. He took great pride in showing floaters to the station how to run the truck. He was the go-to guy on shift if you ever needed help fixing your car. Jared was a "helper" no matter what the task he always wanted to help.
It is with the permission of Jared's wife and children that wish to share that Jared's death was the result of su***de due to a post traumatic stress related illness. Jared's family and our members are struggling to make sense of his decision to take his own life but we have collectively agreed his passing cannot be for nothing. We MUST and we WILL make something positive come out of Jared's death. In his final moments Jared signaled to us his wishes to use his death to help bring awareness to firefighter mental health. We urge our fellow brothers and sisters to reach out to one another.
Upon receiving notice of Jared's death 70 plus firefighters immediately descended upon the hospital. Our members took great comfort in being able to say goodbye one final time and receive Jared at the funeral home. Our department is heartbroken but resilient. Our members are rallying around each other and exemplifying the true meaning of "brotherhood". We would like express our sincere gratitude for the outpouring of support we have received during this trying time. Jared leaves behind his wife, six children and 151 united brothers & sisters. We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. At this time his family is asking for privacy as they grieve. Arrangements will be made available once finalized.
Thank you for the outpouring of love.
Take care of one another.
