A young firefighter who won the hearts of his comrades and the Coweta County community during his battle with cancer has died.
Chris Landreau, 27, died Tuesday at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta after suffering a stroke Monday.
Landreau, an eight-year veteran of the Coweta Fire Department, was diagnosed with lymphoma in February but was determined to return to the job he loved. He had hoped to come back in August.
"Chris was a wonderful husband, father and friend," Deputy Chief Todd Moore told the AJC on Wednesday. "Chris was also a great firefighter. He was always the type to be where the action was. He was professional in the way that he carried out his duties at the fire department, he was a guy that knew what needed to be done and did it without being told.
"He always put others before himself, always being the first to step up and help someone in need. He was so humbled by the tremendous support he received from our community of Newnan and Coweta County, Moore said. "He will be truly missed by our department."
Moore said Landreau's badge number 798 will be retired in his honor.
"Our department would like to thank all of those who have supported Chris and his family during their time of need," Moore said
The Coweta community held several fund-raisers for Landreau's family and he attended many of the events to thank supporters. Singer Corbette Jackson, a native of Newnan, wrote the song "Heart of a Champion," about Landreau's fight and donated proceeds from the song to the firefighter's family.
Landreau remained positive throughout his ordeal. On a website supporters set up to help his family, he thanked the community for its help.
"I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all of you that have supported me and my family. ... I feel blessed to have such an enormous support group family. I look forward to meeting all of you one day to tell you thank you. I will never forget the help you have given me in my time of need. May your family be as blessed as mine."
Fire stations in Coweta flew their flags at half staff in Landreau's honor.
Landreau is survived by his wife, Amanda, and two young daughters, Kaylee and Kensley.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to Amanda and the girls," Moore said.
Other survivors include his parents, Brad and Cornelia Landreau of Newnan; brother, James Landreau and his wife Veronica of Newnan; two grandmothers, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family will receive visitors from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at McKoon Funeral Home in Newnan.
The funeral is at 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Newnan with the Rev. Ken Norton officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Newnan. McKoon Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Chris Landreau Fund, in care of Coweta County Fire Department, 483 Turkey Road, Newnan, Ga., 30263.
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