Former Longtime Western Springs Fire Official Dies

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Tom Dillon, the Western Springs Fire Department's former assistant chief, died Friday, the department announced.

He served the department for 34 years, leaving in late 2021. He started at the department as a paid on-call firefighter.

Dillon achieved the rank of lieutenant in 2006, captain in 2011 and assistant chief in 2016. He managed a full-time career as a lawyer and raised his family in Western Springs

The department described Dillon as "a pillar of our community and a deeply respected leader within our department." It also said Dillon had a lasting impact on generations of Western Springs firefighters, calling him "a mentor, teacher, trusted friend, and example of what it meant to serve with integrity."

Information on Dillon's memorial service and opportunities to honor him will be shared as arrangements are confirmed, the department said.