“He was truly a blessed soul with a big heart — all he wanted to do was take care of people,” North Park Fire Chief Joel Hallstrom told WREX. “Whether it was a patient or somebody at the fire department that was here, that was his thing and he was great at it.” 

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On December 25, 2022, A veteran Illinois firefighter died on Christmas Day hours after he responded to an alarm. 

North Park Fire Protection Firefighter/EMT Brian Rehnberg, 50, responded to a carbon monoxide alarm with his department, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.  

After the incident, Rehnberg returned home. About 2:30 p.m., he was found unresponsive by his wife. He was transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death was an apparent heart attack. 

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Rehnberg started as an explorer with Rockford, IL Fire Department, and started with the Cherry Valley Fire Protection District in 1999. He joined the North Park Fire Protection Fire District as a volunteer in 2008. He also was an EMT with Lifeline Ambulance and Kirkland Fire Protection District. 

He is survived by his wife and son. 

Our hearts are with the Rehnberg family and the North Park Fire Department. 

To donate in memory of Firefighter Brian Rehnberg, please visit our fallen heroes donation page.