River Forest Firefighters Local 2391

05/29/2026

It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of retired Lieutenant-Paramedic John Newberry.

A native of Oak Park, John served the Village of River Forest for over 20 years, holding the positions of Firefighter-Paramedic, Lieutenant, Hazardous Materials Technician, and Technical Rescue Specialist. John was a past President and Secretary of Local 2391, and was a mentor to many of our members in financial and retirement planning. His catchphrase, “You gotta have a plan, Daddy!” is a permanent part of the RFFD language, and he never missed a chance to tell us about seeing Bob Seger live in 1986.

John was a lifelong fan of the outdoors, and volunteered his time and labor to maintain wilderness trails throughout the US. He was also an avid bike-packer and had completed the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route twice, pedaling from Canada to New Mexico. At the time of his passing, he was riding from Missouri to Colorado on the Golden Gravel Trail. He will be dearly missed.

All services will be at St. Patrick’s Church at 173 W Union St. in Seneca, IL. Visitation will be Sunday, May 31 from 3-6 pm, and the Funeral will be on Monday, June 1 at 11 a.m.

05/01/2026

Thank you to the following member for their continued professional service to the Village of River Forest!

FF/PM TJ Kyles - 3 years of service (5/1/2023)

04/18/2026

04/05/2026

Thanks to River Forest Chocolates & Confectionery est. 2010 for the chocolate covered strawberries!

03/17/2026

RIP Brother Altman

FF Mike Altman of the Chicago Fire Department, assigned to Truck 47, was critically injured March 16th while doing what he always did- putting others first. After some time in Cook County Hospital’s burn unit, he has tragically has passed away from his injuries.

02/25/2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired Lieutenant Richard “Dick” Powell at age 86. He was surrounded by friends and family at the time of his passing in the afternoon of 23 February 2026. He was in good spirits and had a positive outlook right up to the end. Dick spent over 28 years as a member of the department, beginning in 1973 and retiring in 2002. Dick rose to the rank of Lieutenant in 1984, spending the rest of his career (18 years) in that position. An avid bowler, Dick would regularly participate in the Lombard Firefighter Union’s annual bowling tournament along with active duty members of RFFD. He will be missed. Services will be held as follows:

Visitation
Friday 2/27 1500-2000hrs
Humes Funeral Home
320 W. Lake St.
Addison, IL 60101

Funeral
Saturday 2/28
Visitation 1000hrs
Mass 1100hrs
St. Bernadine
801 Elgin Ave
Forest Park, IL 60130

Procession to Queen of Heaven Cemetery following mass.
1400 S. Wolf Rd.
Hillside, IL 60162

02/17/2026

Thank you to the following member for their continued professional service to the Village of River Forest!

Lt./PM Paul Zipperich - 23 years of service (2/16/2003)

02/05/2026

Four firefighters per engine/truck 👀

OAK LAWN FIRE DEPARTMENT IS NOW HIRING!

The Oak Lawn Board of Fire & Police Commissioners is accepting applications for Firefighter/Paramedic.

Why Oak Lawn?
• True 4-man engines & trucks
• Minimum daily staffing: 21 personnel
• Strong training culture and community service
• 2025 call volume: 11,132

Pay:
• Start at $86K+ — top out at $118K+ after 3 years

Apply by: March 6, 2026 — 4:00 PM

👉 Apply here:
https://cms2.revize.com/revize/villageofoaklawn/job_detail_T10_R58.php

Join a department that invests in its members and its community. Share this with someone ready to make Oak Lawn their career.

02/01/2026

Thank you to the following member for their continued professional service to the Village of River Forest!

Lt./PM and Local 2391 Vice President Ed Howe - 23 years of service (2/1/2003)

01/30/2026

Mike Laureto for AFFI DVP1