Fire Departments are steeped with traditions, ties, and history. Some of these are as a result of the actual job and its history and some are made in the individual departments by the people who make a career there. As the Norwood Park Fire Protection District begins its 75th year serving the towns of Norridge, Harwood Heights, and the Norwood Park Township it does so by wishing well and saying good bye to a firefighter and an officer who has been a defining part of its story.

With a family history stretching back over 40 years (when his father, Robert Striedl was hired by and served the district as the firefighter), Paul Striedl joined the ranks of the Fire Department in 1986. Distinguishing himself not only on calls which helped define the department (and receiving an award of merit for one of them), Paul defines the qualities that best make up a firefighters person. Trained in High Rise and Technical Rescue, he also took an active role in the firefighter’s wellbeing at the station, as well as running the Softball and Bowling Charity teams which participate in annual competitions. Paul was promoted to Lieutenant just before the millennium and for the final years of service to his community was appointed Commander. He accepted these responsibilities as a matter of course, moving forward but never forgetting his goals or where he came from. His final shift worked with us ends, for now, a family legacy with our department, but is only the beginning of his new life outside the fire service.

Thank You, Commander Paul Striedl, for your devotion, friendship, and strength from all of us at The Norwood Park Fire Protection District. The faces may change as years progress, people leave and more are hired, but no matter you will always be welcomed back to the firehouse to visit and enjoy the house your family has helped build.

Thanks Again!