The North Chicago Fire Department is mourning the loss of a 54-year-old retired firefighter who unexpectedly died on Monday, authorities said.
The North Chicago Fire Department said Christopher Shearer, 54, served on the department for 20 years.
Shearer grew up in North Chicago and “remained proud of his community.”
He began working for the department in August 1994 and retired in September 2014.
Shearer, who also previously worked part-time at the Lake Villa Fire Protection District, leaves behind his mother, father and two daughters.
“Please keep the family of Firefighter Shearer in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” fire officials said.
Service arrangments will be announced at a late date, the department said.
The man’s daughter, Brittnee Shearer, said the loss of her father was unexpected.
“He was an all-around great man who never had anything but a smile on his face. His infectious laugh and outgoing personality brought everyone together,” Brittnee Shearer said.
“He would give anyone the shirt off his back; and was the type of person where the first day you met him was as if you had known each other for years,” she said.
Brittnee Shearer created a GoFundMe account to raise money that will be put “into honoring his name.”
The fundraiser has collected over $4,000 from nearly 50 donors so far.
“As we deal with this sudden loss, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers,” she said.