Heart of Jamestown, Firefighter Lewis Kitts passes away with 40 years of service

The Jamestown Fire Department has announced the passing of Firefighter Lewis W. Kitts.

“Lew”, as he was known by just about everyone, was a 40-year member of the JFD.

Firefighter Kitts’ dedication to the Jamestown Fire Department and the community was unquestionable. People knew Lew as a fixture at the schools, around town, and in the firehouse.

The Department noted that he was frequently recognized for making the most calls of any firefighter on the department per given year, and he always worked hard to make the department look good in parades and services.

“Everyone will miss seeing him driving Santa around on the “ole ‘47” each Christmas season, lining everyone up for the Memorial Day Parade, or just passionately talking about the Red Sox over a beer after a drill night. Rest in peace, Lew. You will be sorely missed.”

Others who knew Kitts had nothing but positive things to say on social media.

“Lou was my landlord for ten years. My buddy. He never once raised our rent in ten years, we all know he could have done so many times and gotten wealthier. He was not like that, he wanted us to be able to stay and raise our son in such a great town. He was so kind…”

“During my 20 years working in the Jamestown Schools Lew always responded to any request I had and at times volunteered to keep an eye out for a student he knew was going through a hard time…”

“A great Fireman and even better man… he will be missed by so many, as the impact he had on our local community can’t possibly be captured in words. A genuine leader who put so many before himself.”

Services have yet to be announced.