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Remembering
Tracy Champion
Philadelphia Fire Department — Pennsylvania
Classification: Career
Rank: Firefighter
Date of Death: January 28, 2006
Age: 49
Tracy “Champ” Champion suffered a fatal
heart attack on January 28, 2006,
at the scene of a residential structure
fire. A 20-year veteran with
the department, he served with
Engine 60 and Engine 65,
but spent the majority of
his career at Engine 54 in
Overbrook. He was named
2004 Firefighter of the Year.
Honored in 1997 for rescuing
a laborer trapped in
a trench, he was a model
for the younger members
of the department.
A lifelong resident
of West Philadelphia,
Tracy graduated from
Overbrook High School
in 1974. He served for four
years in the Marine Corps
and then did office work before
becoming a firefighter in 1985.
He loved being a firefighter, and
the work was a perfect fit for his giving
nature. In addition to working for the fire
department, he worked with two ambulance companies,
Physician’s Choice, and Jeff STAT.
A sports fanatic, he played on the fire department’s
softball teams and had won trophies
with the department’s bowling
league. He also enjoyed riding his
motorcycle, shooting pool, golfing,
and deep-sea fishing. At
home, he cut the grass and
did yard work for elderly
neighbors.
Tracy is survived by his
wife, Charisse Crowder
Champion; his two sons,
Tracy and Timothy; his
mother, Leola Champion;
two brothers; and a sister.
He loved spending
time with his family and
was a very involved father
who took time off to attend
his sons’ athletic events and
school field trips.
Tracy is remembered for his funloving
nature, his upbeat attitude,
and his smile.