Fallen Heros
Sgt. Jack Hennesy
U.S. Army
October 1, 2004; Killed in Action
Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Hennessy graduated from Naperville Central High School in 2001 where he was in soccer, wrestling, and gymnastics.
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He enlisted in the Army his senior year and was deployed to Iraq with the First Calvary Division.
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He was killed during a firefight in Baghdad. Sergeant Hennessy was known for his dedication to duty.
1st Lt. Daniel weiss
U.S. Army Ranger
March 4, 2012
Served 3 deployments in Afghanistan
Danny Weiss was a graduate of Naperville Central High School in 2004. He earned a BA from the University of Illinois Chicago.
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He served as a Rifle Platoon Leader in Attack Company 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Company. In addition to earning his officer commission, he earned airborne wings and the Ranger tab. He received numerous awards and was considered a model soldier. Prior to a 4th deployment, he took his own life as a result of PTSD.
Captain James Huard Dearborn
U.S. Air Force
July 12, 1972; Missing in Action
North Vietnam
Captain James Huard joined the U.S. Air Force in 1971 and was assigned to the elite 433 Tactical Fighter Squadron.
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Captain Huard's plane disappeared during an armed reconnaissances mission in North Vietnam and he was declared Missing in Action in September in 1973.
His remains were returned to the U.S. and identified in 1997 and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Captain Huard was married and had three sons.
Cpl. Anthony mihalo
U.S. Marines
Killed in Action by IED; August 14, 2008
Helmand Province Afghanistan
Cpl. Anthony Mihalo graduated from Naperville North High School, where he played football, in 2004. He enlisted in the Marines in his senior year.
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He served two tours in Iraq and then transferred units to be deployed to Afghanistan. He was killed by an IED while on foot patrol. He had multiple Purple Heart Medals, and had refused an opportunity to return home.
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He was engaged to be married.
PFC Gunnar Hotchkin
U.S. Army
Combat Engineer Killed in Action; June 10, 2010
Kunduz, Afghanistan
PFC Gunnar Hotchkin graduated from Hissdale Central High School in 1997 where he was an All-American swimmer.
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Gunnar was killed during an extended battle with insurgents in Northern Afghanistan when the vehicle on which he manned a gun pulled forward to provide covering fire and hit an IED. Gunnar was awarded a Bronze Star medal.
Gunnar and his wife Erin had three children
SGT David Caruso
Marine
Killed in Action; November 9, 2004
Anbar province, Iraq
SGT Caruso graduated from Waubonsie Valley High School in 1998. While there he was an honor student and played football. SGT Caruso always known to be an over-achiever, earned the rank of Eagle Scout at age 16.
He had wanted to join the Marines since he was in Junior High. While in the Marines, he worked reconnaissance with special operations. He took up photography while in the Marines, taking pictures of the places he visited on leave.
Commander Dan Shanower
U.S. Navy
Killed in Attack on the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.;
September 11, 2001
Commander Dan Shanower graduated from Naperville Central High School in 1979 and earned a BA in political science from Carroll College in 1983.
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He received a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1985. He received training as an intelligence officer. He was promoted to the rank of Commander in 2000 and provided intelligence support to the Chief of Naval Operations. He was preparing a report on the attack on the World Trade Center when the Pentagon was attacked, and he was killed in that attack.
Lieutenant George S. Winckler
Naperville Fire Department
Died during a training exercise on October 18, 1991
Fondly known as "Wink" to many Naperville residents, was a firefighter, businessman, community leader, and father of five. He began his service as a volunteer at Naperville's only station in 1965 and helped it grow into a full-time operation across five stations1. In addition to his firefighting duties, he operated Winckler's Service Station for over 31 years. He was known for his selfless attitude and willingness to lend a hand, regardless of how busy he was.
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On October 18, 1991, Lt. Winckler tragically lost his life during a training exercise. He suffered a fatal heart attack during a live burn training exercise at the department's training tower. His dedication to service extended beyond firefighting, as he also served as the president of the Du Page County Fair Board. His work in organizing the event led to record-breaking crowds for two of the last three years. Lt. Winckler's legacy continues to inspire the Naperville community, and he is remembered as one of the most honorable persons to ever serve on the Naperville Fire Department.
Lieutenant Richard F. Rechenmacher
Naperville Fire Department
Died on December 7, 1970 in a vehicle collision while responding to a fire.
Lieutenant Rechenmacher was a dedicated firefighter and a career letter carrier in Naperville, IL. He began his service as a volunteer firefighter and was known for his commitment to the community. Tragically, he died in the line of duty on December 7, 1970. He, along with Engineer Jerry Herring and fellow volunteer Bernie Petrowski, were killed instantly when their fire truck was hit by a semi while en route to a mutual aid call in the next town
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Richard left behind his wife, Margaret, who devoted her life to preserving Richard’s legacy for their eleven children. She passed away in 2006. Richard's sacrifice is commemorated at the Naperville Fire Department's Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service. His dedication to his duty and his community continues to inspire the Naperville community. May they rest in peace.
Firefighter/engineer jerry l. herring
Naperville Fire Department
Died on December 7, 1970 in a vehicle collision while responding to a fire.
Jerry L. Herring was a dedicated firefighter with the Naperville Fire Department. Born on August 17, 1943, Jerry served as a full-time firefighter and was known for his commitment and bravery. He tragically lost his life on December 7, 1970, at the age of 27, while responding to a fire. Jerry was driving the fire truck when it collided with a semi-trailer at the intersection of Illinois Highway 65 and 59.
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Jerry's legacy is remembered by his wife Patricia and their four children. His sacrifice in the line of duty is commemorated at the Naperville Fire Department's Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service. The Naperville community continues to honor Jerry's memory and the ultimate sacrifice he made in service of others. His dedication to his duty and his community will always be remembered.
Firefighter Bernard Petrowski
Naperville Fire Department
Died on December 7, 1970 in a vehicle collision while responding to a fire.
Firefighter Bernard Petrowski was a dedicated member of the Naperville Fire Department. He served with commitment and bravery, always ready to respond to the call of duty. Tragically, Bernard lost his life on December 7, 1970, while responding to a fire. He, along with Lieutenant Richard Rechenmacher and Engineer Jerry Herring, were killed instantly when their fire truck collided with a semi-trailer at the intersection of Illinois Highway 65 and 59.
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Bernard's sacrifice is remembered and honored at the Naperville Fire Department's Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service. His dedication to his duty and his community continues to inspire the Naperville community. The Naperville Fire Department, along with the city officials, friends, and family, gather annually to pay tribute to Bernard and other fallen firefighters4. His service and ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered.
Chief of Police Robert Worthel
Naperville Police Department
Died on September 24, 1927 in a vehicle collision while responding to am armed robbery.
Chief of Police Robert Worthel served with the Naperville Police Department for five months before his untimely death. On September 24, 1927, he was killed in a motorcycle crash while responding to the scene of an armed robbery. He struck a motorist who turned in front of him at the intersection of Washington Street and School Street. Worthel's legacy is remembered through a street sign named "Chief Robert Worthel Memorial Way" at the intersection where he lost his life.
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Robert Worthel was known for his dedication to duty and his commitment to the safety of the Naperville community. He was survived by his wife and two daughters. His sacrifice in the line of duty is commemorated at the Naperville Police Department's annual memorial presentations. He is the only member of the Naperville Police Department to have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His service and ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered.