‘Devoted, determined, proud,’ firefighter Jamel Sears memorialized by thousands

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Dear Dad,

I never knew that you collapsed, but

when I heard the news I was a little sad,

but now I have to take my responsibility

and position as the man of the house and

accept your death.I wish you good luck for

your next life and goodbye from your son.

–Mahlek Sears,11 years old

Funeral services were held on Tuesday for NYFD probationary firefighter Jamel M. Sears. He died last Tuesday after collapsing during an 18-minute training exercise at the Fire Academy. He was 33. Hundreds of firefighters in uniform lined up along 120th Street behind Marcus Garvey Park to pay respects to Sears, who joined the department in July. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta attended the funeral service that was held at Bethel Gospel Assembly.

Bloomberg said Sears was “destined to be a firefighter” because of his love for the job and eagerness to help others. He also gave condolences to Sears’ children, Mahlek, 11, and Jya, 7, and his wife of 11 years, Sharita, who is an NYPD officer. Scoppetta said that all firefighters should take their example from Sears for his love of the job and constant hard work. He noted that Sears was “devoted, determined and proud.” Family members and friends gave tributes to Sears, reciting poetry and reminiscing on their happy times with him. On Monday a wake was held for Sears at Unity Funeral Chapel. The daylong event brought out hundreds of firefighters into the evening hours for the viewing.

Fellow rookie firefighters also gave tributes about their fallen classmate. They said Sears was always looked to for direction, getting the nickname “Lou,” which was short for lieutenant for his leadership skills. Prior to being a firefighter, Sears served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Alaska from 1995 until 1999. After that, he worked as a customer service representative for TD Waterhouse and later as an operating mechanic at NYOFCO and KeySpan Energy.

A Bronx native, Sears attended All-Hallows Catholic High School and Bronx Community College. Family members said that he had a life-long dream of serving for the NYFD. “He was a gentleman, and family meant everything to him. All he wanted was a secure, successful future for his family,” said Sears’ wife Sharita in a statement. Sears was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.