Retired Chicago Police Association

Anthony L. “Tony” Bednarz of Rverside, age 80. Retired Fire Chief of Riverside and Western Springs Fire Departments. Beloved husband of Marianne, nee Krier; loving father of Krista (Des) Varady, Lisa (Richard) Gentile, Charles Bednarz and Paula (Mike) Savino; proud grandfather of Colin and Jake Varady, Richie, Luke and Nicole Gentile, Michael Bednarz, Caden Luke, Matthew Bednarz, Loryana Luke, Grace Bednarz, Annalea Luke, Tessa Luke and Isabella, Nicholas, Megan and Dominic Savino; great-grandfather of Zoey Bednarz; dear brother of the late Paul (MaryAnn) Bednarz; fond uncle of John, David and Paul Jr. “PJ” Bednarz. Tony was an avid golfer, loved fishing and boating in Florida and Michigan. As a celebrated Fire Chief, we would like to share his accomplishments. Chief Bednarz was hired as a member of the Riverside Fire Department in 1961, following his father’s footsteps. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1971, Captain in 1974, Assistant Chief in 1975 and then Fire Chief in 1976. Tony was able to move through the ranks very quickly due to his professionalism and his dedication to the Village of Riverside and the fire service profession. Chief Bednarz had the honor to work alongside his son Charles, who was also a Riverside Fire Lieutenant. Charles carried on the family legacy and was hired as an Evanston Firefighter, where he served as a Captain. Chief Bednarz always worked diligently to improve the fire and emergency medical services, not only in Riverside, but across the State of Illinois. He was instrumental with initiating the State of Illinois Firefighter Certification Program, the first Emergency Medical Technicians in Riverside and eventually increasing that level of service to Advanced Life Support service with the hiring of paramedics in Riverside. Tony also worked to establish the E-911 emergency phone system in Riverside. Chief Bednarz was an active member of MABAS Division 10 (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) which included many neighboring fire departments and fire districts. He served two terms as the President of the MABAS Division 10 Chiefs Committee. He was also instrumental in developing guidelines for Incident Command and Communications which is still utilized on the fireground to this day. After serving for over 45 years at the Riverside Fire Department, Chief Bednarz had a great opportunity to become the Chief of the Western Springs Fire Department. He served at the Director of Fire and EMS from 2006 until 2012. Again, he had some great accomplishments such as replacing an engine and ambulance, obtaining a grant for Mobile Dispatch Terminals, instituting a Medical Reserve Corps. (MRC) and overseeing the construction of Fire Station #2 located at 5501 Grand Ave in Western Springs. Chief Bednarz built the bedrock which the Riverside Fire Department now stands. He was a forward thinker and always fought hard for what he knew was the right thing to do. He carried on that passion while at Western Springs and in everything he did. Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be a Fire Deparment walk-through at 7:00 p.m. (line-up at 6:45 p.m.). Funeral Thursday going to St. Mary Church, Riverside MASS TIMES PENDING. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, please donate blood in Tony’s memory or donate to University of Chicago Leukemia Center at (https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/cancer/give). Arrangements entrusted to the Original Kuratko Family – Brian D. Kuratko, Funeral Director. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.

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From the CPD Daily bulletin 23 May 2022.

SPECIAL NOTICE!

The Peer Support Program has been in existence since April 2000 and is part of the Professional Counseling Division (PCD) /Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Peer support members are mostly sworn members of the Chicago Police Department who volunteer their time and support when a Department member (sworn or civilian) or their immediate family member is in need of assistance. The primary objective of the Peer Support Program is stress reduction for department members in the form of immediate emotional first aid and support. Peer support members assist Department members as they work through the impact of critical incidents by supporting, actively listening and providing resources. Assistance may include, but is not limited to, the death of a family member, friend or peer; as well as relationship, marriage, children and work-related difficulties. All communications between Department members, their families and peer support member are kept in the strictest confidence and protected under Illinois Public Act 100-0911. An updated list of peer support members has been posted on the EAP website, Peer Support tab, which is located on The Wire homepage. These trained Peer Support members are available and willing to be there for you, in your time of need. You are also encouraged to reach out to a Peer Support member on behalf of your fellow co-worker, who may be experiencing difficulty coping. For further information or assistance, feel free to reach out to the Peer Support Program Manager, PO Beata “Bea” Staszewski or the On-call Peer Team Leader at 312-672-9973. You may also contact the EAP office at 312- 743-0378. “One simple phone call can make the difference in the life of an individual in crisis.”

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"On September 17th, 2003, the gunman was convicted of first degree murder
and was subsequently sentenced to life in prison."

Compose a letter and send it to the e-mail address provided.

jill.thornton@cookcountyil.gov

The murder of a Police Officer should not be a forgivable offense!