04-04-2025
Calumet City Deputy Fire Chief dies of illness at 48
CALUMET CITY, Ill. (WGN) — A south suburban deputy fire chief died earlier this week due to an illness, according to a press release from Calumet City Mayor Thaddeus Jones.
Calumet City Deputy Fire Chief Pete Bendinelli died at his Dyer, Indiana home Monday surrounded by family after battling an illness over the past year.
'Deputy Chief Bendinelli was the crown jewel of our Fire Department. He was considered a best-in-class executive firefighter who enjoyed tremendous success throughout his tenure with the Calumet City Fire Department,' Jones said. 'He had a keen sense of every fire protocol and regulation and shared his expertise with scores of young firefighters throughout southern Cook County.'
Bendinelli began his fire service career with Burnham Fire Department before joining the Midlothian Fire Department in 1997. In October 1998, he found his home with the Calumet City Fire Department, where Jones said he dedicated himself to serving the community with courage and compassion.
Bendinelli earned his master's degree and his Chief Fire Officer (CFO) certification from Indiana University Northwest. Jones said his biggest accomplishment in the fire service was receiving the prestigious Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification from the National Fire Academy in 2023.
Calumet City's mayor also pointed out Bendinelli was recognized as one of only two legacies in the program, an honor he shared with his good friend and fellow graduate Matthew Berk.
Calumet City Fire Chief Glenn Bachert said he often relied upon Bendinelli to take the lead in handling city-wide emergencies. Such was the case with recent flooding challenges of 2023 when the deputy chief led rescue efforts and received regional accolades for how well he performed his duties.
'I have been extremely fortunate to have Pete Bendinelli as my Deputy Chief. Much of the success, advancement and enhanced upward mobility of our department is because of the compassion, focus, and dedication that Pete Bendinelli displayed on a daily basis,' Bachert said. 'His footprint within our ranks will always be treasured and never forgotten.
'I will miss him not only as my Deputy Chief, but more importantly as my friend.'
Mayor Jones concluded the press release with 'On behalf of the entire city of Calumet City, we collectively send our heartfelt thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the entire Bendinelli family. We absolutely loved and admired Deputy Chief Bendinelli, but God loved him so much more.'
Bendinelli is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lisa Bendinelli and his two daughters, Mariana and Mia Bendinelli.
Visitation will take place at Faith Church, 100 W. 81st Avenue, Dyer, Indiana, on Friday, April 4, from 2-8 p.m.
Funeral Services will take place Saturday, April 5, at 10 a.m.
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