Former NFD Fire Chief passes away

Posted on May 16, 2024
Retired Chief George Cermak joined the force in 1969. (Photo courtesy: NFD/Facebook)

By Blake Haas

NORMAL – A former long-time Normal Fire Department fire chief passed away Thursday morning.

Retired Chief George Cermak joined NFD as a volunteer firefighter in 1964, where he was later one of the first wave of paid firefighters in 1969.

Retired Chief George Carmak (middle in the wheel chair) visited the department in 2020. (Photo courtesy: NFD/Facebook)

Cermak was promoted to Captain in 1970 and later named Chief of the Department in 1975.

Cermak served as the Chief in Normal for more than 20 years, where he later transitioned to the civilian division within the department.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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