Former Loves Park Fire Chief Phil Foley, who served the city for 53 years, has died at age 79
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our free e-newsletter
LOVES PARK — Phil Foley, who spent 53 years with the Loves Park Fire Department and was its first ever full-time chief, died on Thursday at age 79.
The longtime fire chief is remembered for his tireless service to the city and his advocacy for fire safety. He spent 37 years as the city’s fire chief, leading a crew of volunteers for the majority of his career.
More news: Midway Theater owner faces fines as city of Rockford continues its push to force repairs
Mayor Greg Jury said Foley and his volunteer crew were always involved in uplifting city events, from regular toy drives to participating in the Young at Heart Festival and parade.
“He did a lot for our community during his time here,” Jury said. “He was very dedicated to the city and dedicated to our fire department.”
Foley joined the department in 1965 and became its part-time chief in 1981 before being appointed full-time chief in 1999. He held that role until August 2018, when he retired. He rose through the ranks lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and assistant chief before taking over the department’s top job.
“I have the best job in the city and I love it,” the chief had written on his social media. “I work with the best group of firefighters a chief could work with.”
Foley was succeeded by Chief Jerry Wiltfang, who led the transformation of the department from an all-volunteer crew to a 24/7 operation full-time operation.
Foley was born Nov. 2, 1944, to Frida and Philip Foley in Fairfield, Wyoming, according to his obituary with Sunset Funeral Home. He came to the area at age 11 and later graduated from Harlem High School.
Foley and his family had also operated a gas station on the corner of Riverside Boulevard and North Second Street, Jury said, but the fire department Foley’s “main home.”
Foley is survived by his wife of five years, Margie, and his children Philip Foley III, Tanya Foltz and Michael Leavens. He also had four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Services
A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 2, at Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park
A continued visitation will occur from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday, June 3, at Sunset with the funeral services beginning at 10 a.m.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
