Firefighter Record
Firefighter Details
| Name | Joseph Willems |
| Agency | Chicago Fire Department |
| Rank | Engineer |
| Type of Firefighter | Career |
| Age Range | 61 to 70 |
| Sex | Male |
| Date of Birth | 0/0/0 |
| Date of Death | 1/5/1969 |
| Cause of Death | Stress/Overexertion |
| Nature of Death | Cerebrovascular accident/Stroke |
| Attribute of Death | [not applicable] |
| Type of Duty | Post-incident |
Incident Summary
On January 5, 1969, Chicago Fire Department Engineer Joseph J. Willems of Engine 56 suffered a cerebral hemorrhage at the Engine 56 firehouse, shortly after returning to quarters following a fire on Lincoln Avenue. He was pronounced dead at Illinois Masonic Hospital
Funeral services for Willems were held at St. Timothy’s Church on January 8, and he was survived by his widow, two children, and two grandchildren.
Citations:
“Obituary of Joseph J. Willems,” Chicago Tribune, January 7, 1969.
Firefighter and Incident Images
