Crime & Safety
Retired Hinsdale Firefighter Dies
Deputy Director Bob Kasper served with the department for 25 years
Hinsdale's Fire Department is mourning the loss of long-time firefighter Bob Kasper who died after battling cancer.
Kasper served in the Hinsdale Fire Department from 1960-1985. He rose through the ranks from firefighter, to captain and finally deputy director of public safety, which included both police and fire departments.
“We are absolutely grateful for everything he passed on to us,” said Steve Tullis, public information officer for the fire department. “It’s a big loss for us, even though he retired over 20 years ago. We're a small fire department, which means we're like a family.”
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Even though he was no longer putting out fires with the current department, Tullis said Kasper often visited and shared coffee and stories with the staff. Several of the senior officers in the Hinsdale department were hired prior to Kasper’s retirement.
“There is a direct lineage from his service to our current department. His fire department, being as small as it is, we feel that loss,” Tullis said.
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Tullis said he never served with Kasper, but wishes he had been able to fight fires next to him.
“He was a John Wayne-like figure, just a big hero,” Tullis said.
When Kasper first served on the department oxygen tanks were not in use by small fire departments. Tullis said those firefighters braved burning buildings without the benefit of much technology.
“We called them smoke eaters. My view of him is of a man with soot around his eyes and nose, but with a smile on his face. He was happy to do his job and he was happy to be part of this department,” Tullis said.
To honor Kasper the fire department is hanging the traditional black and purple bunting and will wear black badge shrouds for one week. A firefighter honor guard will also be on hand at Kasper’s wake.
“We’re giving him all he deserves for what he’s done for this department and this town,” Tullis said.
Kasper is survived by his wife, Joan, and their two sons Jeff and Bob. The wake will be held on Wednesday, from 3-8 p.m. at Gibbons Elliston Funeral Home in Hinsdale.
