Retired Oswego Paramedic Dies: 'More Than A Firefighter'

OSWEGO, IL — Roberto "Bobby" Flores, a retired Oswego Fire Protection District firefighter and paramedic, died Saturday.

In a news release in memoriam, OFPD officials said Flores died after a 13-year battle with occupational cancer.

A "dedicated member of our department for 12 years," Flores retired from the OFPD in 2020 after joining in 2008 as one of 51 initial full-time employees.

Flores started his fire service career as a volunteer with the Montgomery Countryside Fire Protection District, serving from 1998 to 2007. He worked as a paramedic for the Wheaton Fire Department from 2001 to 2008 before joining the Oswego department.

"Bobby was more than a firefighter," OFPD officials wrote. "He was a compassionate and generous soul who always went the extra mile to support his colleagues, community, friends, and family. His selfless nature, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him."

OFPD officials said they will share funeral arrangements in the next few days.

"The Oswego Fire Protection District honors the life, legacy, and sacrifice of Roberto Flores," the release reads. "His memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched, and his service will never be forgotten."