Our condolences to the Fox family and the Vergennes Fire Department of Illinois. FireFighter Michael Fox, 37, a 20 year veteran of the Vergennes Fire Department, died Friday February 2, 2007. Mike suffered a heart attack while operating the fire department ambulance responding to an EMS call. He was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road safely. His partner performed CPR and another ambulance transported them to St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro where he was pronounced dead.

     Mike was a 20 year veteran of the Vergennes Fire Department, volunteering at the age of 17. He was a member of the Southern Illinois Coal-Belt Firefighters Association. He was also a member of American Legion Post 127 and V.F.W. Post 7190.

     Our brother Michael was not married and is survived by his foster parents, Betty and Herschel King, his two sisters Sondra Tuthill and Cheryal Jones, and his brother Buddy King. Calling hours will be held for Mike on Sunday February 4, 2007 5-9PM and Monday February 5, 2007 8-11AM at Petett Funeral Home in Murphysboro. A funeral service for Mike will be held Monday February 5, 2007 11AM at the funeral home followed by a burial at Murdale Gardens of Memory in Murphysboro. A scholarship fund is being established in his name and memorial contributions can be made to: