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IL DEPUTY CHIEF PASSES AFTER BATTLE WITH CANCER AND COVID (The Secret List)

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All,

Another friend to the crew at TSL & Firefighter Close Calls is gone. Huntley (Illinois) Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Albert Schlick, in his early 50’s. who had 30 years in the fire service, died in the Line of Duty last evening following a two-month battle with a duty-related illness.

Deputy Fire Chief Albert W. Schlick III began his career as a paid-on-call firefighter with the Wauconda Fire District in November 1987. He transitioned to a full-time position in June of 1991, rising up through the ranks to Division Chief of Training. Chief Schlick retired from Wauconda in July 2015 and joined the Huntley Fire Protection District to serve as the deputy chief.

In addition Al served as the Training Officer with the River Grove (IL) Fire Department and the Nunda Rural (IL) Fire District.  Al has been a member of the Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors since 1993 and served two terms on the Board of Directors and was the elected President for two years. Al is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, is a designated Chief Fire Officer and Chief Training Officer by the Commission on Professional Credentialing and is a Certified Illinois Chief Officer.

And at the risk of thinking we over-use words, we don’t. He absolutely was another one of those rare Chiefs who was all in. One of those Chiefs who LOVED the job-and loved those who do it-and those who we serve. Chief Schlick made everyone around him a better person. His passion, love, and knowledge of the fire service is what made him a mentor to so many…those are words from his own folks. Chief Schlick had the ability to see the potential in people entering the fire service and help them achieve their best potential. His advice was sought out by young and old across North America.
You read what I wrote about Maryland’s Chief Nick Finamore yesterday? Al and Nick would have been best friends had they known each other here on earth, but certainly are now watching us together, telling fire stories and a few fire lies, all from above.
MEMORIAL SERVICE:

There will be a visitation and fire department walkthrough held on January 12 at DeFiore Funeral Home in Huntley. The visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. and conclude at 8 p.m.with the fire department walkthrough beginning at 6:00 p.m. and a lineup at 5:30 p.m.
The mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntley at 10 a.m. on January 13and the interment will be private.

Rest In Peace Al. Our condolences to his family and so many friends, Brothers & Sisters.
Take care. be Careful. Pass It On.
BillyG
The Secret List 1/6/2021-2121 Hours