Joliet fire captain dead after 22 years of serving his community, officials say

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Joliet Fire Department (JFD) announced on Sunday that it is mourning the sudden loss of Capt. Kevin Hargis, a veteran firefighter who spent 22 years serving in the southwest suburban community.

In a statement posted to social media, JFD officials wrote that Hargis’ leadership will be deeply missed, along with his knowledge and passion for helping others.

The fire department didn’t share what led to Hargis’ death but did say that it happened Saturday.

Officials said that members of the department were keeping the Hargis family and friends in their thoughts, and they described the fire captain as a respected firefighter, as well as a beloved husband, son and brother.

“The sudden passing of Captain Hargis … has left a profound void in our community — his additional years in the fire service and as a paramedic added to the impact of our loss,” the statement read.

Hargis was 52 years old.

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