Warren firefighter dies of COVID-19

25-year vet of city department described as ‘one of the best’

WARREN -- The city lost one of its longtime firefighters to COVID-19.

Warren fire Lt. Donald Beauchene died Tuesday.

"There is a hole in my heart," Michelle Beauchene, his wife, said. "He was my best friend. We did everything together."

Michelle Beauchene said her husband started feeling sick a little more than two weeks ago, after several firefighters were exposed to the virus.

"He started having cold symptoms," she said. "He had coughs, sinus problems and a runny nose."

Last Tuesday, Michelle talked him into going to emergency room, where he was diagnosed with COVID-19, pneumonia and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). He was given medication by the hospital, and Michelle bought her husband vitamins.

He quarantined at home.

When Don was found unresponsive Saturday, he went to the emergency room and was checked into the hospital for treatment.

His lungs were filled with an infection, Michelle said.

"When people found out he was in the hospital, the community reached out to help," she said. "They rallied together. There have been prayers and well wishes. I have friends who have set up prayer and meal trains, so we would not have to worry about food."

Beauchene worked for the Warren Fire Department for more than 25 years, according to assistant fire Chief Bill Monrean. The Beauchenes also opened Blush Spa and Gift Boutique, 169 W. Market St., in August 2017.

"His passing was unexpected," Monrean said. "We thought he would get better."

Warren Safety Service Director Eddie Colbert said the world lost one of its shining stars.

"From the contributions he made to our city and the Warren City Fire Department, as well as his volunteering after Hurricane Katrina, Lt. Beauchene was one of the most caring people you could ever meet," Colbert said.

After Hurricane Katrina, Beauchene traveled to Texas to provide whatever help he could.

Monrean said Don, his friend, was an excellent firefighter.

"He was one of the best," he said. "We depended on him to train our young firefighters.

"He knew everything there was to know about firefighting," Monrean continued. "His skills as a firefighter were perfect. He loved being a firefighter."

Warren Mayor Doug Franklin described Beauchene as a very important part of the fire department.

"He exuded leadership both on the job and in the community," Franklin said. "He was a leader within the department. He loved the job. That's why he rose through the ranks so quickly."

Franklin said what he most admired about Beauchene was his obvious love for his wife, his children and dedication to his family.

"That reflects what type of man he was," he said.

Beauchene's death is driving home the serious risk the virus poses, Franklin said.

"I want to ask members of the community to not let his passing to be in vain," Franklin said. "We have to take this seriously. We have to take every precaution in wearing masks, social distancing and washing our hands."

Monrean emphasized that Beauchene had a big heart and did anything for people.

Beauchene and his wife, Michelle, could not contain the love they had for each other and the six children they had between them, so they adopted four other children in 2017 and in 2018.

It was not something they planned to do, but knew they had to do.

"Don was a man who liked to fix things," she said. "He would do anything to help others."