Name | Robert Medlicott |
Agency | Berwyn Fire Department |
Rank | Deputy Chief |
Type of Firefighter | Career |
Age Range | 51 to 55 |
Sex | Male |
Date of Birth | 0/0/0 |
Date of Death | 7/29/1992 |
Cause of Death | Stress/Overexertion |
Nature of Death | Heart attack |
Attribute of Death | [not applicable] |
Type of Duty | Post-incident |
Incident Name | N/A |
Incident City | Berwyn |
Incident State | IL |
Incident Date | 7/28/1992 |
Incident Location | Residential |
Incident Attribute | Fires |
On July 29, 1992, Deputy Chief Robert Medlicott of the Berwyn Fire Department suffered a fatal heart attack while on duty at the Engine 93 firehouse on 26th Street. The previous evening, Medlicott had responded to a fire in a large apartment building and had led the efforts of his firefighters in successfully containing and extinguishing the flames. Following overhaul functions, all fire companies returned to quarters. The next morning, firefighters were unable to awaken Medlicott and efforts to revive him at the firehouse were unsuccessful. He was transported to the hospital by Ambulance 95, and he was pronounced dead at 7:45AM.
Medlicott joined the Berwyn Fire Department on August 15, 1969. He was promoted to Tiller in March 1980, to Lieutenant in November 1980, and to Deputy Chief in December 1991. Medlicott was a dedicated and well-respected leader, and he enjoyed cooking for the on-duty personnel at the firehouse. He was also an enthusiastic member and steward of Berwyn Local 506, International Association of Fire Fighters, encouraging membership during the early stages of the union and spearheading several fundraising efforts.
Medlicott was remembered as a devoted family man who not only worked two jobs to support his wife and five children, but also found time to be a Scout Master, Little League coach, and avid Chicago White Sox fan.