Firefighters across Central Illinois mourn loss of Lacon-Sparland firefighter

The Lacon and Sparland communities are mourning the death of a local firefighter Thursday.

Lacon-Sparland firefighter Chaise Mangold died from injuries sustained April 10 in a fire at a family property in Sparland, said the Lacon-Sparland Fire District.

Chaise and his father Pat, along with two other family members, were taken to a Springfield hospital’s burn unit for recovery.

The fire department made the announcement at about 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

Chaise was a member of the fire department for 3 1/2 years.

“As a firefighter he put up an incredible fight but for reasons we may never know the Lord had other plans and he was taken away from us at a very young age,” the fire district wrote on its Facebook page. ... He will be deeply missed. We ask you keep the Mangold and Murphy families in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Other local fire departments expressed their condolences.

“Our prayers are with your department and the Mangold family during this time. Please reach out if you need anything at all,” wrote the Cedar Point Fire Department.

“All of you are in our prayers during this difficult time. Please reach out to us if you need anything,” wrote the Peru Fire Department.

“The Henry Fire Department would like to extend our deepest condolences to Chaise’s family, The Lacon-Sparland Fire Dept and all who knew him.”

“Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Chaise Mangold and to the members of the Lacon Sparland Fire Department. We will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers,” the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department wrote.

“The death of a Firefighter is never an easy event,” wrote the Spring Valley Fire Department. “It’s not only tough for the firefighters’ family, friends, or community that they serve. It is tough for all the brothers and sisters in our fire service family too. The S.V.F.D. gives our deepest condolences to everyone involved. Rest in peace, brother.”

“Prayers being sent to Chaise’s friends, family and the Lacon - Sparland Fire Protection District as they mourn the loss of one of their own,” wrote the La Salle Fire Department after it changed its profile picture to honor Chaise Mangold.