Harvard Fire Protection District Firefighter Phil Jacobs was laid to rest Tuesday in Harvard | Photo: Alex Vucha.

Harvard firefighter Phil Jacobs, who was a 30-year veteran of the department, was laid to rest Tuesday following his battle with cancer.

“It is with the deepest sorrow that the Harvard Fire Protection District reports the death of one of our firefighters,” Harvard Fire Protection District Acting Chief Bryan Pierce said in a department issued letter last week.

Firefighter Phil Jacobs, who worked for the department for 30 years, passed away peacefully January 7 surrounded by his family at home, Pierce said.

Harvard Fire Protection District Firefighter Phil Jacobs was laid to rest Tuesday in Harvard | Photo: Alex Vucha.

“Our sympathy and condolences go out to his family and co-workers. Please keep his family in your prayers,” Pierce said.

A visitation was held on Monday at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Harvard, which is where Jacobs married his wife, Kelly Braun. The funeral service began at 11 a.m. Tuesday with Jacobs’ family, friends and fellow firefighters in attendance.

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The procession left the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and proceeded to Mount Auburn Cemetery, 20501 E. Brink St in Harvard, where he was laid to rest.

Harvard Fire Protection District Firefighter Phil Jacobs was laid to rest Tuesday in Harvard | Photo: Alex Vucha.

“We would like to take a moment and express our gratitude for the outpouring of support shown to not only Phil’s family but his HFPD brothers and sisters as well. Phil was loved by many and will be deeply missed by us all,” the Harvard Fire Protection District said in a statement.

“Phil worked for 19 years at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL as an athletic trainer. He was also a 30 year member of the Harvard Fire Protection District. He was a CPR and first aid instructor at both the college and fire department,” his obituary said.

Jacobs leaves behind his wife Kelly and his son Edward.

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