Chief Robert McKay, age 59, of Tinley Park passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Robert was born on July 1, 1965 in Chicago, IL to Robert and Marion McKay. He grew up his whole life in Tinley Park and graduated from Oak Forest Christian Academy in 1983. Robert earned his Bachelors Degree in Finance from Liberty University in 1987. He married Tammy Jesk on February 15, 2003 in Chicago, IL. Robert dedicated his life of service to the North Maine Fire Protection District attaining the rank of Chief and celebrated 30 years with the department on January 16, 2025. He enjoyed wood working, building anything he could, old cars, biking and walking with Tammy. Robert also enjoyed sports, and being a proud south side Cubs fan. He especially enjoyed being with his son and his four legged friend, Kodak Jack.
He is preceded in death by, his parents, Robert and Marion McKay; his step-mother, Carol and his step-sister, Cathy.
Robert is survived by, his wife, Tammy; his son, Brooklin; step-daughter, Samantha; his sister, Bonnie (James); Step-Sister, Cheri as well as many other family and friends.
A visitation for Robert will be held Monday, March 3, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. A visitation will occur Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. A funeral procession and graveside service will immediately follow the funeral at 12:30 PM at Oak Hill Cemetery, 11900 Kedzie Ave, Blue Island, IL 60406. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Robert’s memory may be made to, the Illinois Firefighters Association.
Archive for March 3rd, 2025
Excerpts from abc7chicago.com:
The Mundelein Fire Department responded to a fire in the 1200-block of Huntington Drive around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Officials originally said the elderly woman was suspected missing, but on Monday, the fire department confirmed the woman’s body was found in a second-floor bedroom. They said that getting into the house was difficult due to the hoarding conditions as there were piles of items that were up to five feet high throughout the house, including the stairs.
“Upon arrival, the front door could only be opened 5 to 6 inches and had to be removed off its hinges,” officials said.
The house had no central heating. Investigators found space heaters and propane powered camping type heaters.
A few more images from the House fire in Mundelein, 3-2-25 of the later stages of operations

Larry Shapiro photo

Larry Shapiro photo

Larry Shapiro photo

Larry Shapiro photo
Mundelein firefighters and mutual aid companies were sent to a duplex at 1283 Huntington Drive early Sunday evening for afire. Upon arrival they had smoke showing from a two-story frame duplex unit with the whereabouts of a resident unknown. There was heavy fire in a second floor bedroom. Firefighters encountered hoarder conditions inside which hampered efforts for a thorough search. The alarm was upgraded to a MABAS Box Alarm for additional personnel.
The fire was extinguished within a half hour and companies began extensive overhaul. Libertyville Engine 462 and Mundelein quint 432 were both on hydrants.

Jimmy Bolf photo

Jimmy Bolf photo

Jimmy Bolf photo

Jimmy Bolf photo

Jimmy Bolf photo