Retired Battalion Chief Ray Hoff, Chicago Fire Department, nationally known Fire Instructor and former Chief of the Topinabee (Michigan) VFD very sadly passed away today. More information will be posted on our home page as it becomes available.
The very much loved and popular Ray was a field instructor for the Illinois Fire Service Institute, is a veteran FDIC Instructor as well as being an independent instructor who absolutely loved teaching. Ray is a third generation Firefighter and is the Brother of Chicago Fire Commissioner Bob Hoff.
Those who had the opportunity to be involved in any of his classes and programs not only gained a wealth of knowledge, but was treated to the entertainment of the absolute "best of the best" Chicago FD war stories. Ray spent over 40 years on the fire line and retired from the Chicago Fire Department as a Battalion Chief of the 4th Battalion. The movie Backdraft was loosely based on Ray and Bobby whose father, Chief Thomas Hoff died in the Line of Duty.
Ray, as many will remember, was the first due Truck Company Officer at the infamous PAXTON HOTEL fire that killed over 20 people*
Our condolences to the Hoff Family as well as all of Ray’s family and friends throughout the world on the loss of a great guy who absolutely made a difference to so many. Rest In Peace.
BillyG
The Secret List 3-15-11 / 2158 Hours
