Lombard firefighters raised about $6,000 for cancer care through their 13th annual Pink T-Shirt fundraiser, presenting the check at the department's Fire Prevention Week open house on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
The donation goes to the Advocate Good Samaritan Bhorade Cancer Center in Downers Grove. Firefighter/Paramedic Bob Hopper founded the fundraiser 13 years ago. Lt. Bill Klein, president of Firefighters Union Local 3009, and Village President Anthony Puccio joined Hopper for the check presentation at Fire Station 45, 50 E. St. Charles Road, The Lombardian reported.
After the 12th annual drive, the Village of Lombard said on X in November 2025 that cumulative contributions to the cancer center had surpassed $40,000. This year's $6,000 adds to that total.
Pink T-shirts sold for $25 each at a Sept. 26 sale event at Babcock's Grove House, 101 W. St. Charles Road. Hopper and the department promoted the shirts during the open house as well.
Safety demos highlight lithium-ion battery risks
The open house ran from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, under the theme "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower." The focus was safe charging of lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and ignite if damaged or improperly charged.
Visitors explored emergency vehicles, watched live demonstrations of equipment and learned about the department's history. Metra Police and local utility companies also set up displays, according to the Village of Lombard's post on X.
Fire Prevention Week ran Oct. 4-10.
The open house at Fire Station 45 is one of the department's largest public events each year, giving residents a close look at the trucks, tools and crews that serve Lombard.
Pink T-shirts may still be available for $25 each. Interested buyers can email [email protected] to check.
