IT ALL STARTED WHEN…

Back in 1984 when Gary was just a fresh faced Marine guarding Air Force One with President Ronnie Reagan…..

Next thing you know he’s in Calumet City fightin fire.

Gary “Deech” Diederich started with the department in July of 1992 after attending IFSI. He was hired to replace Marty Bonic when Marty chose not to return after being laid off. The Chief of the department at that time was Lou Coneen and Gary’s first captain was Phil Dombrowski. Starting his career on the ambulance with Rich Wesolowski, it wasn’t long before Gary was promoted, and promoted, and promoted again to Captain.

One of the many contributions Gary made over the years was the rehab of the former bunk room at Station 2 (now 12). When the addition was added to the Station, Gary and Terry Modjeski began to turn that room into the Gym it is today.

If only he had stayed long enough to start on Station 1…….

Gary and Amy Jo intend to stay in the area a while, as Amy is still working, but Aruba is always calling.

We wish him well in his retirement. Congratulations!