Latest news with #FireOfficer
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Davenport Fire Chief Carlsten announces upcoming retirement
Davenport Fire Chief Mike Carlsten has formally announced his plan to retire from his position with the City of Davenport after 32 years of service, according to a news release. Carlsten has led the Davenport Fire Department as chief since 2018, but his commitment to public service started when he first joined the department in 1993. He was assigned to Central Station for the majority of his career, first as a firefighter. He rose through the ranks to engineer, lieutenant, captain, district chief, and most recently, fire chief. Carlsten has been recognized for his professionalism many times throughout his career. He received the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) in 2017 and 2020. He was also named the American Legion Firefighter of the Year in 2003. Carlsten earned his master's in organizational leadership from St. Ambrose University in 2015 and is a certified public manager. 'It's been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Davenport,' said Carlsten. 'My fondest memories are of the dedicated men and women I've served with and the camaraderie we shared.' The Davenport Fire Department is one of only 311 accredited agencies through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and the CPSE. The department's current Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating is a Class 2/2X, putting DFD in the top 5% of departments nationwide. 'I want to thank Chief Carlsten for his years of exceptional service to the people of Davenport,' said Doug Maxeiner, city administrator. 'We wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.' Carlsten plans to remain with the City of Davenport until at least July 1, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition process. A formal search for the next fire chief will begin immediately. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
