Manhattan Fire Mourns Former Volunteer Firefighter & New Lenox Man, 45

MANHATTAN, IL — The Manhattan Fire Protection District is mourning the loss of a beloved former volunteer member.

Brian Daniel Chellios, 45, died suddenly Friday, Feb. 2, according to his obituary. Chellios previously lived in Manhattan and most recently in New Lenox.

Chellios began his firefighter/paramedic career in 1997 as a volunteer with the Manhattan department. He continued his family's legacy, following in the footsteps of his grandfathers, dad, brother, cousins and uncles. Chellios went on to work his way up the ranks to Chief of University Park Fire Department. Chellios also held all ranks in between, according to his obituary.

A graduate of Lincoln-Way Central, Chellios attained his associate's degree from Prairie State Community College, bachelor's degree in public administration from University of Arizona, as well as completing numerous fire science classes from several schools. Chellios was currently working on his master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

Chellios was an active member of Local 3661 where he served on the Union Board and the AFFI Honor Guard for multiple years.

"Brian was the embodiment of Pride, Duty, and Tradition," his colleagues at the University Park Fire Department said in his obituary.

"He was quick-witted and was famous for his one-liners and quoting movie lines," his obituary reads. "Brian was a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, he will be missed by all who knew and loved him."

Visitation will take place Thursday, Feb. 8 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. An additional hour of visitation will take place Friday, Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. until the time of his funeral at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Manhattan

In lieu of flowers, donations in Brian’s name may be made to University Park Local 3661, 698 Burnham Dr, University Park, IL 60484, or the Manhattan Fire Department, PO Box 65, Manhattan,