Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
Former Evanston fire chief Sanders “Sam” Hicks died Friday of complications from Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 90. He was Evanston’s first African American firefighter hired in 1950 and retiring in 1987. Hicks worked as a firefighter for more than a decade before taking a sick day.
He was promoted to captain in 1963, to assistant chief of training in 1973, and fire chief in 1980. Hicks was credited with helping to launch the department’s paramedic program in 1976. Previously, police department station wagons would deliver patients to local hospitals. A fire department training room was named after him in 2015 during a special presentation.
Along with his dedication to firefighting, Hicks was known for his contributions to the world of speed skating. He coached Shani Davis, the first African American to win Winter Olympics gold in an individual competition in that category. Hicks was also a founding member and coach of the Evanston Speed Skating Club.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, and two grandchildren. Funeral and visitation details are pending. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie.
thanks Dan
