Support the Family of Captain Garrett E. Ramos

Rhianna Mengel is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Brittney Ramos.

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Hi, my name is Rhianna and I'm fundraising on behalf of my best friend Brittney and her two young daughters, who tragically lost their husband and dad, Captain Garrett E. Ramos, 38, in the line of duty in the early hours of Saturday, December 4, 2021.

The first time Brittney told me about Garrett, I knew he was the one. I had never heard her happier and throughout the years, that happiness never faded. Garrett was an incredible husband and father who brought my friend endless joy and gave her the two most precious gifts possible, their beautiful daughters, Ruthie and Kepa.

I am hoping, during this holiday season, that friends, family, acquaintances, and anyone touched by this devastating news may come together to support this young family, whether it's to donate $1, share this to your friends, or even a prayer of healing.

This fundraiser is approved by Brittney and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Brittney and their children. Anything is sincerely appreciated.

The City of Sterling and IAFF Local 2301 have also created a 'Garrett Ramos Memorial Fund' through Sauk Valley Bank with 100% of proceed going to the family. You can donate (via bank account only at this time) to that here: Garrett Ramos Memorial Fund .

More about Garrett:

Garrett was born on October 27, 1983 in Sterling, IL to Edward and Jeannie (McKee) Ramos. His happy and positive demeanor was evident from a young age. His magnetic personality won the hearts of everyone in his life. He loved to spend time with his parents, grandparents and friends. He grew up participating in many team sports, especially excelling at basketball and thriving in the team environment. Family, faith and sports laid the foundation for the man of character he would become.

Garrett attended St. Mary's Grade School and graduated from Sterling High School in 2002. He attended the South Carolina Fire Academy following his graduation from Illinois State University.

Following in his father's footsteps, he began his firefighting career at the North Charleston Fire Department in Charleston, SC; a place he loved ever since vacationing there with his family as a child. He was drawn to the history and beauty of the area; surfing the beaches every chance he had. In 2012, he returned to his hometown where he would serve his community at the Sterling Fire Department and later build his life centered around what mattered most to him - his family.

He married the love of his life, Brittney C. Berger on July 23, 2016 in Benton Harbor, MI. They traveled around the world together before the birth of their two daughters Ruthie (3) & Kepa (2). A devoted and loving husband and father, he embraced every moment of every day with his girls - whether painting their nails, playing endlessly or caring for them when they were sick. He started every day with a positivity that all those around him wanted to emulate, bringing joy to all the little moments of life.

It was not only his family who was impacted by and received his joy. He valued every person that came into his life, whether it be neighbors, coworkers or someone he just met. His smile was contagious, his laughter was infectious and his heart was made of gold. He was endlessly generous with his time and in addition to his nearly 10 years of service at SFD, he also served as the Union President for Local 2301. Having served as Acting Captain for the past year, the City of Sterling has posthumously promoted him to the rank of Captain.

If you met Garrett you loved Garrett.