In Memoriam: Shawn McHale, Palos Heights Fire Protection District Lieutenant

Palos Fire Protection District is mourning the loss of a beloved lieutenant.

Lt. Shawn McHale died at home on Wednesday, June 10. McHale was a 28-year veteran of the department and member of IAFF Local 4480.

“Shawn McHale was an incredibly kind, generous, and gentle man who loved his family and friends,” according to a Palos Park PD Facebook post. “Shawn will be remembered for his take-charge attitude and life long dedication to the Palos Fire Protection District.”

McHale grew up in Palos Park and called Orland Park home for the past 25 years. Shawn was a devoted father to his three children, Shawn Jr., Hanna and Lindsey, brother to Ed, (deceased), Jim and Patrick as well as his extended family. He was a loyal friend and brother to all.

McHale became a cadet firefighter with Palos FPD in 1977. He attended Paramedic school at Ingalls Hospital/ South Cook County System, obtaining his license in 1983. Shawn began his professional career in 1986 as a firefighter/paramedic with the Worth (IL) Fire Department (now a part of North Palos FPD), and began his career at Palos FPD as a firefighter/paramedic in 1987. In 1988 Shawn also became a member of the Evergreen Park Fire Department, spending 27 years with them.

Visitation will be held Sunday, June 14, at the Kerry Funeral Home, 7020 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights, from 2 to 9 p.m.

Fire department lineup at 6:30 p.m. and walk-through at 7 p.m.

Services will be Monday, June 15. Prayer service at Kerry Funeral Home at 8:45 a.m. followed by a procession to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 15050 S. Wolf Rd., Orland Park, Il, with Catholic Mass at 10 a.m. Fire department vehicles are asked to report directly to the Church parking lot prior to Mass and stage there for the procession.

Internment will follow the Mass at Good Shepard Cemetery, 16201 S. 104th Ave., Orland Park.

A memorial fund has been established for the benefit of Brother McHale’s children. Donations can be made to
The McHale Memorial Fund, c/o CNB Bank, 12727 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights.