Daniel J. Hermes

Daniel J. Hermes, age 68, of LaGrange Highlands, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of August 29th, 2024 after a long battle with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) surrounded by his wife of 43 years, Kathy; his sons, Dustin (Jenny) and Colin (Monica); his grandson, Jaxon; and with his late son, Branden, present in spirit.
Dan began his remarkable career with the Pleasantview Fire Protection District as a volunteer firefighter in 1977, becoming a full-time firefighter in 1980, Deputy Chief in 1990, Chief in 1995 until his retirement in 2011.
Throughout his tenure, he pursued further education, earning a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Illinois and a Master's in Criminal Social Justice from Lewis University. He also shared his expertise as an adjunct faculty member at Columbia Southern University, Waldorf College, and the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. Dan was deeply involved in the fire service community, serving on various state and local committees. He was a longtime member and Chairman of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Funeral Committee for 18 years, and he developed programs and taught nationally for the National Fallen Firefighter's Foundation. One of his notable achievements was the development of a comprehensive fire service funeral planning and death benefit guide for the state of Illinois.
Throughout his distinguished career, he received numerous accolades. In 1996, he was honored with the Presidential Service Award from the Northern Illinois Alliance of Fire Protection Districts. In 2001, he was selected as the Illinois Fire Chiefs' first "Fire Chief of the Year," and in 2012, he was designated Fire Chief Emeritus by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. His contributions extended beyond Pleasantview, including the development of a comprehensive emergency disaster plan adopted by the state of Illinois, as well as public service announcements advocating for fire safety and the sprinkler industry.
Memorial visitation from 10am to 3pm. Fire Department walk through from 1 to 2pm. Memorial service from 2 to 3pm. All open to the public and taking place at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside on Saturday, September 14th, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at theaftd.org. Funeral info: 708-352-6500