COUNCIL #731 - WAUKEGAN COUNCIL #731 REMEMBERS |
Richard William Niemi, 87, passed away peacefully at home in Grayslake, Illinois, on Sunday, January 21. Rich was born in Waukegan on December 2, 1930, to William and Beatrice Niemi. He attended St. Bartholomew Grade School and graduated from Waukegan High School in 1948. He married Mary Jean McManaman on November 11, 1950. From 1952-1954, Rich was in active service in the U.S. Army, eventually promoted to the rank of sergeant. While stationed in California and Fort Lewis, Washington, he worked as a mortarman as well as a cook and baker, honing the skills he acquired as a teen-aged baker apprentice at Shaulis Bakery. Upon discharge from the Army, Rich returned to work at Cyclone Fence Company until he joined the Waukegan Fire Department in 1957. Rich rose through the ranks of the Fire Department-from Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Chief-until he was appointed Fire Chief in 1973, a position he held until 1979. He then continued his career at the Fire Department as a Captain, Shift Commander, and Deputy Chief until his retirement in October 1991 almost 34 years of service. He implemented and oversaw many changes in the department during his long career; he was instrumental in starting the paramedic program, training and certifying his team, and in fire prevention. During his early years as a firefighter, Rich also developed his building skills working in the carpentry trade. He put these skills (and his talent) to use and built two homes over the years as his family grew. Despite his long hours at work, Rich found the time to pursue his love of flying and earned his private pilot license. He also served his community in a myriad of ways: as a director of the Waukegan Municipal Employees Credit Union, president of the Mother of God School Board, American Red Cross Committeeman, and president and secretary of Lake County Fire Chiefs Association. He was an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts, Mother of God Parish, and Carmel High School. |