North Chicago Fire Department Firefighter Keith Peacy | Provided Photo

A North Chicago firefighter, who had worked for several fire departments in Lake County, has died at the age of 49 following a battle with cancer, the department announced Monday.

Keith Peacy, 49, died on Monday, according to the North Chicago Fire Department.

Peacy fought a “long courageous battle” against colon cancer with his family and loved ones by his side, the department said in a statement.

He leaves behind his wife Deanna Peacy and daughters Aaliyah, Callie and Kendra.

Peacy was hired by the North Chicago Fire Department on January 3, 2003, and retired with an Occupational Disease Disability in November.

The North Chicago Firefighters IAFF Local 3271 previously said that Peacy had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2019.

Peacy also worked at Winthrop Harbor Fire Department and the Bonnie Brook Fire Department, which is now called the Beach Park Fire Department after being renamed in 2002.

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“He served the City of North Chicago with pride and integrity and was a dedicated family man who loved serving the community,” the North Chicago Fire Department said in their statement.

Peacy had a “servant’s heart” and was a dedicated member of The Point Church in Winthrop Harbor assisting families within the community through The Giving Point Food Pantry.

He donated his time and expertise with medical mission trips to Haiti working with surgical teams to perform medical procedures and building group homes for orphan children.

“Please keep Keith and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Funeral arrangement details will follow,” the statement said.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Gurnee-based Shield 23 Foundation at www.shield23foundation.org.