Community Corner
City Of Oak Forest Mourns Retired Longtime Oak Forest Firefighter
Thomas "Tom" Bettenhausen was an Oak Forest firefighter/paramedic for 30 years prior to his retirement in 2008.
OAK FOREST, IL — A retired, longtime presence in the Oak Forest Fire Department has died, the City of Oak Forest announced Monday.
Thomas "Tom" Bettenhausen joined the Oak Forest Fire Department in 1979, serving residents until 2008. Bettenhausen was known for his contributions to fire prevention education efforts.
"Tom was an active member of the department's early fire prevention efforts," city officials shared, "including playing the role of 'Burt' and writing the popular 'Smokebusters' song for an educational puppet show."
Find out what's happening in Oak Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bettenhausen was 75 years old. He died just weeks shy of his June 26 birthday.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
