Firefighter remembered

PORTAGE, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - There is a memorial service Friday for a first-responder.

Firefighter Brad Wilson's battle with lung cancer ended Monday. Friday, family and friends will gather to remember him.

Wilson was diagnosed with stage three lung cancer about six months ago. Doctors said it was caused by exposure to asbestos.

The 56 year old spent a quarter century with the Portage Fire Department, working alongside friends that felt more like family and reaching out to his community by participating in parades.

His fellow firefighters will remember him for many things, including his talent for woodworking. Wilson made shelves throughout the department, leaving his signature mustache mark on each piece.

"I will miss Brad's smiling face and the love for him, he was very special to me, my kids called him Uncle Brad," siad Portage Fire Captain Rick Nason.

Wilson's visitation is set for Friday night from four to eight o'clock at the Betzler Funeral Home in Oshtemo Township. His funeral is Saturday morning at ten.

Wilson will be buried at Mount Ever-rest Memorial Park in Kalamazoo.

Family and friends say if you'd like to make a donation in his honor you can give to the Great Lakes Burn Camp, a charity close to Wilson's heart.