Local 36 is sponsoring a fundraiser to support the LODD services for Brother Shipp. Any remaining funds will go directly to the Shipp family.
Firefighter/Technician Stephen William Shipp Jr., Truck Co.7, Platoon No. 4, succumbed to his job-related cancer on April 15th, 2025, at 0700 hours, just as his beloved Number 4 Platoon assumed duty. Steve was surrounded by absolute love, as family and friends sat vigil with him the last week of his beautiful life.
Stephen was a native Marylander who served 4 years in the United States Coast Guard. His military service started after high school. Stephen had to defer beginning his career with the District of Columbia Fire Department until his military commitment was completed. On April 19th, 2004, Steve was appointed to the DCFD! Upon completion of the Training Academy, he was appointed to Engine Co. 33, Platoon No.4, where he completed Probation and transferred to his dream spot at Truck Co.7 Platoon No. 4. Steve then got promoted to the esteemed position of Truck Driver at Truck Co. 7, Platoon No.4, a job he loved.
Steve was one of a kind. He complained incessantly but would do anything asked of him, to absolute perfection. This earned him the title at the “187” as “Chief Morale Officer.” Steve was also known for consistently pondering creative business ventures or inventions to make a fortune. This earned him his other nickname, “The Idea Guy.” What Steve actually was was a great fireman and an even better friend. He would do anything for those he loved. Steve ultimately was all bark and very little bite. The only thing Steve loved more than driving Truck 7 was God, followed very closely by his amazing wife Sonia, his 3 children, and 2 grandchildren.
Steve was diagnosed with cancer in early 2023. He fought this disease with everything he had. He underwent multiple painful major surgeries and some of the most aggressive chemo treatments ever administered. His cancer was determined to be job-related, and Steve was medically retired in May of 2024. He suffered dearly through this fight, and after 2 years of battling, he was finally called home to rest in comfort. Over the last 2 years, Steve never backed down or shied away. Steve will never, ever, be forgotten by his friends and loved ones. Steve's illness and battle will not be in vain, as they will serve as a catalyst for improvement for those in the department who may face similar circumstances. Steve is an advocate for expanding the occupational cancer presumptive bill.
Steve will be remembered as a devout follower of Jesus Christ, a dedicated husband, amazing Father, Grandfather, and hero Fireman.
Ends in 23 Days
Memorial
Connect and Share
Copy URL
When you become an advocate, every click and donation made via your unique advocate URL will be tallied in your Help a Hero account.
Ends in 23 Days
Connect and Share
When you become an advocate, every click and donation made via your unique advocate URL will be tallied in your Help a Hero account.
Cause Details
Memorial
Local 36 is sponsoring a fundraiser to support the LODD services for Brother Shipp. Any remaining funds will go directly...
Local 36 is sponsoring a fundraiser to support the LODD services for Brother Shipp. Any remaining funds will go directly to the Shipp family.
Firefighter/Technician Stephen William Shipp Jr., Truck Co.7, Platoon No. 4, succumbed to his job-related cancer on April 15th, 2025, at 0700 hours, just as his beloved Number 4 Platoon assumed duty. Steve was surrounded by absolute love, as family and friends sat vigil with him the last week of his beautiful life.
Stephen was a native Marylander who served 4 years in the United States Coast Guard. His military service started after high school. Stephen had to defer beginning his career with the District of Columbia Fire Department until his military commitment was completed. On April 19th, 2004, Steve was appointed to the DCFD! Upon completion of the Training Academy, he was appointed to Engine Co. 33, Platoon No.4, where he completed Probation and transferred to his dream spot at Truck Co.7 Platoon No. 4. Steve then got promoted to the esteemed position of Truck Driver at Truck Co. 7, Platoon No.4, a job he loved.
Steve was one of a kind. He complained incessantly but would do anything asked of him, to absolute perfection. This earned him the title at the “187” as “Chief Morale Officer.” Steve was also known for consistently pondering creative business ventures or inventions to make a fortune. This earned him his other nickname, “The Idea Guy.” What Steve actually was was a great fireman and an even better friend. He would do anything for those he loved. Steve ultimately was all bark and very little bite. The only thing Steve loved more than driving Truck 7 was God, followed very closely by his amazing wife Sonia, his 3 children, and 2 grandchildren.
Steve was diagnosed with cancer in early 2023. He fought this disease with everything he had. He underwent multiple painful major surgeries and some of the most aggressive chemo treatments ever administered. His cancer was determined to be job-related, and Steve was medically retired in May of 2024. He suffered dearly through this fight, and after 2 years of battling, he was finally called home to rest in comfort. Over the last 2 years, Steve never backed down or shied away. Steve will never, ever, be forgotten by his friends and loved ones. Steve's illness and battle will not be in vain, as they will serve as a catalyst for improvement for those in the department who may face similar circumstances. Steve is an advocate for expanding the occupational cancer presumptive bill.
Steve will be remembered as a devout follower of Jesus Christ, a dedicated husband, amazing Father, Grandfather, and hero Fireman.
READ MORE
