Heart attack claims ex-Carpentersville firefighter

A veteran Carpentersville fire lieutenant who died Thursday of an apparent heart attack will be remembered for his dedication and dependability, friends and relatives said Friday.

Lt. Robert Guetschow, 43, died at Sherman Hospital in Elgin after Carpentersville fire emergency medical technicians responded to a call to his home Thursday morning.

Guetschow, who retired in June from the department, spent 12 years as a part-time firefighter before attaining full-time status as a firefighter and paramedic in 1995.

"He was definitely very dedicated to his job and he loved what he was doing," said Guetschow's older brother, Steve, who serves as fire chief for the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Department. "He cared about doing the right thing."

Carpentersville Fire Chief John Schuldt said Guetschow was always looking out for those around him.

"I think his whole goal was to make a difference and help people out of a bad situation," Schuldt said. "He was always there to help."

Schuldt said Guetschow's death had hit the department hard, particularly those who responded to the call.

"We will get through this as one large family and that is how Robert would have wanted it," Schuldt said. "This is our second family."

The 1982 graduate of Dundee High School leaves behind his wife, Kim, and their two sons, Christopher and Zachary.

Visitation for Guetschow will be from 1:30 p.m. until the time of funeral services at 5 p.m. today, in the Miller Funeral Home, 504 W. Main St., West Dundee.

Memorials may be made to the Christopher and Zachary Guetschow Education Fund, c/o Chase Bank, 21 S. Western Ave., Carpentersville, IL 60110.

For details, call (847) 426-3436.