Captain Sean P. Stilson

Los Angeles City Fire Department

Los Angeles, CA

Date of Death: April 22, 2016

Age: 44
Years of Service: 20
Duty Status: Active
Veteran: No

Sean Patrick Stilson was born on February 19, 1972, along with his identical twin brother, Todd Michael, to Judy and Mike Stilson. As they shared a birth date, they also shared many life experiences and competitive achievements. They constantly challenged each other, stretching their skills to the limit, and working toward their dream of becoming firefighters.
Coming from a family of firefighters, Sean knew as a young man what he wanted to become. Sean joined a fire explorer program in 1986 and then just two years later, he and his brother put themselves through a fire academy. Shortly after graduating from the fire academy, he earned his EMT and started working for an ambulance company. The momentum did not stop here. He continued his education by enrolling in a paramedic training program and earned his certificate in 1993. 
His dream of becoming a firefighter with the Los Angeles City Fire Department became a reality when he accepted a position in 1995. His goals continued to move him higher and higher through the ranks as he was promoted to Apparatus Operator, then to Captain I, and finally to Captain II. 
Sean’s life was full of love and family. Debbie Kennedy became his wife in 1996. They gave birth to their first son, Tyler in 1997 and a second son, Cole, in 1999. Sean was a terrific father who loved to be hands-on with his children. Luckily he was able to teach his sons how to work with their hands, how to solve problems they faced, and how to love deeply. Sean’s dedication to his career and his equally strong devotion to his family were well known by all who knew him. He earned the respect of his fellow firefighters and the love of many friends whose lives he touched along his life’s journey.