04/07/2025
It is with a heavy heart this year, we remember our brother Pete Bendinelli from The Band of Brothers.
At FDIC this year, you will see our our band collecting donations. 100% of the donations received will go straight to Pete's family. If you see us out, or would like to send a few bucks in honor of Pete, please see the Venmo QR code below.
Pete, thank you for your service and your dedication to the brotherhood.
Press releases below:
On behalf of Band of Brothers Pipes and Drums we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and Calumet City Professional Firefighters Local 621 on the passing of Deputy Fire Chief Pete Bendinelli.
Pete was a founding member of our band, a great friend and a brother to us all.
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our Deputy Fire Chief, Peter Bendinelli.
We have struggled to find the words for this post, knowing that putting it into writing makes this loss feel all too real. The weight of this moment is immeasurable, as we come to terms with the passing of not just a leader, but a true friend and mentor.
Pete was more than a leader—he was a mentor, a friend, and a cornerstone of our department. He began his fire service career with Burnham Fire Department before joining Midlothian Fire Department full-time in 1997. In October of 1998, he found his home with the Calumet City Fire Department, where he dedicated himself to serving our community with courage and compassion. Throughout his entire career, Peter remained a dues-paying member of our union, Local 621.
Over the years, Peter worked tirelessly to better himself and those around him. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, as well as the prestigious Chief Fire Officer (CFO) certification—the highest in Illinois—and the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) certification from the National Fire Academy, which he achieved in 2023. His career milestones were a testament to his dedication: promoted to Engineer in 2009 and Deputy Fire Chief in 2017, he continuously led by example, inspiring everyone around him.
More than his impressive credentials, Peter was a phenomenal leader—deeply loved and respected by everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. He embodied the core values that defined his career and character:
Service – Providing our community with a superior level of service.
Dedication – Committed to our mission while pursuing our vision.
Professionalism – Demonstrating the competence and skills expected by the community.
Trust – Maintaining and fostering reliability, truth, and ability in emergencies.
Service Details
Wake – Friday, April 4, 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Faith Church, Dyer – 100 W. 81st Avenue (Just east on Steger Road off of 394 into Indiana)
Fire Department Walk-Through at 7:00 PM – Assembly on site at 6:30 PM
Funeral Service – Saturday, April 5, 10:00 AM
Faith Church, Dyer
Honor Procession to Calumet City to follow
This will be a full honor Line of Duty Death funeral.
As we mourn this tremendous loss, we ask that you keep Peter’s family, friends, and our department in your thoughts and prayers.
Rest easy, Chief. We’ll take it from here.
