Oakland Loses a Hero--Assistant Fire Chief Gary Walker, Gone Too Soon at 53

Gary Walker, a devoted husband and father, and an Oakland resident who dedicated most of his life to protecting and serving the public, died April 24 because of complications linked to the coronavirus.

Walker was just 53. He was in a coma for about a month before passing away.

Walker was a member of the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department for a commendable 33 years, and a police officer in Bloomingdale for 20 years.

Many of us followed Facebook posts that provided news and updates about Walker since he fell ill with the virus, and joined online religious services held for him, praying for this hero to pull through.

Through photos of him on Facebook, many of us got to see his full life—there were the many smiling images of him with his young daughter, Demi, and wife, Danielle, and pictures of him proudly wearing his firefighter and police uniforms.

Walker was Oakland’s assistant chief of Fire Company 2.

Both Oakland and Bloomingdale held funeral processions. 

The Oakland Fire Department’s Facebook page said: “Today we all lost a dear friend. The Oakland Fire Department is heartbroken to announce the passing of Company 2 Chief Gary Walker…Words can't express the pain and sorrow that is felt by anyone whose life Gary touched." 

"Gary was also a great husband to Danielle and father to Demi. Anyone who knew Gary knows that Gary was truly a kid at heart. He had a personality that always made people laugh. Our love and support are with Daniele and Demi and will be in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Walker family. Gary, you fought one hell of a fight against this horrible virus. To say you will truly be missed is an understatement."

The fire department's message concluded: "Rest Peacefully Gary... We will take it from here."