Community remembers firefighter killed in crash with hockey fundraiser

Hundreds gathered Sunday afternoon for a charity hockey game at the Kettering Rec Center to remember Kevin McMacken, a Kettering firefighter and paramedic killed in a car crash Sept. 19.

“To lose a child and the pain that comes along with that — but to come to an event like this and to see how many people have been affected by Kevin’s death has been heartwarming to see,” said Shawn McMacken, Kevin’s father. “As a family, I can say it means a lot to us.”

Kevin McMacken was a Miami East High School graduate following in his father’s footsteps. Shawn McMacken is a firefighter and paramedic for the city of Troy.

“Kevin from a young age wanted to be a firefighter and paramedic, and to see him grow and become something that he wanted to be. I was very proud of that,” McMacken added.

Richard Morrett, a family friend, wanted to do something in Kevin’s name. The Dayton Fire, a firefighter hockey club, suggested they do a charity game. Admission to the game was a donation. All donations and proceeds raised through raffles will be donated to Sinclair Community College for the Firefighter/Paramedic Program.

“We wanted to do one last thing for him in honor of his name to help young, aspiring firefighters come up through the service,” Morrett said.

The McMacken family, which include’s Kevin’s parents and four siblings, said they were touched by the gesture.

“The outpouring of support, the generosity from donations from various other departments and people and businesses has been unbelievable,” McMacken said.

Donations can still be made through the event's Facebook page.