IL HR1374

Lawrence "Larry" Matkaitis of Mt. Greenwood died on July 9, 2016, and the Illinois House of Representatives mourns his passing.

Matkaitis served 30 years with the Chicago Fire Department, rising to the rank of Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner for Emergency Medical Operations, and later served as State Fire Marshal after being appointed by Governor Pat Quinn.

He was a licensed pilot, Vietnam War veteran who served as an Army medic, and a founding member of the Chicago Fire Department's paramedic program, stationed at Ambulance 42.

Matkaitis was an active member of numerous professional organizations including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, and the Illinois Emergency Medical Response Team.

The House extends condolences to his surviving family, including his wife of 38 years Valerie, two children, three grandchildren, and four siblings.