Beloved West Dundee firefighter laid to rest

The mournful toll of three bells rung three times each signaled the end of West Dundee Fire Lt. Thomas Lutzow's duty.

The 53-year-old firefighting veteran was remembered Friday for his passion for life, his family and faith. Lutzow died last Saturday at home from a massive heart attack.

Village officials, police officers and firefighters from departments from Hanover Park to Hampshire joined family and friends for the Catholic Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Dundee. Students from St. Catherine School also paid respects to Lutzow, who had taught many of them - and their families - about the importance of fire protection and safety.

Engines from fire departments including Rutland-Dundee, Hampshire, Hanover Park and Woodstock waited in front of the church. Purple bunting draped a West Dundee fire truck.

Firefighters lined the entry of the church as Lutzow's light gray casket flanked by colleagues from the West Dundee fire department and trailed by relatives entered the nave. His fireman's hat sat atop the casket.

In his tribute to a friend and colleague, West Dundee Fire Chief Frank Buhrmann illustrated how proud Lutzow was of his three children - Amy, Dawn and Mark.

"He always seemed to walk a little taller, his chest stuck out a little farther," Buhrmann said. "Tom had what everyone desires in life: the love of family."

Buhrmann also acknowledged Lutzow's love of children and teaching.

"He was a good fireman, good paramedic and a good inspector," Buhrmann said, "But he was an exceptional educator. Our friend."

Three rings of three bells signaled Lutzow's last alarm.

Lutzow was buried at the Dundee Township East Cemetery in East Dundee.