Dundee Firefighter Dies After Training

Greg Witt died Oct. 25 at the age of 35.

Witt was a firefighter for the Gilberts-based Rutland-Dundee Fire Protection District. He suffered a medical emergency during a training exercise days before his death. He had served in the United States Marine Corps from 2013 to 2018 and attained the rank of sergeant. After his military service, he joined the fire department in 2019. He graduated from Jacobs High School in Algonquin in 2009 and earned an associate degree in Fire Science and Safety from Elgin Community College in 2020.

The Village of West Dundee announced temporary road closures for Friday morning. Restrictions will begin at approximately 7 a.m. in the Old Town neighborhood. Delays are expected near Grafelman Park, Washington Street, and Miller Funeral Home. The intersection of Routes 31 and 72 will close at 8 a.m. for the funeral procession. Officials estimate the closure will last about 30 minutes. They asked motorists to follow directions from public safety personnel.

A visitation is scheduled for Friday morning at The Venue at Goebbert’s Farm in Pingree Grove. A service will follow at a Dundee Township church. A private burial will take place afterward. The village posted a message of condolence to Witt’s family and fellow firefighters. They thanked the community for its patience during the traffic disruptions.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker issued a resolution declaring Witt died in the line of duty. He ordered flags lowered from sunrise Thursday to sundown Friday. Witt was the son of Mary and the late Scott Witt and had two brothers. His family requested donations in lieu of flowers to the Rutland-Dundee FPD Memorial Fund. The funds will help establish a scholarship in his honor.

Witt lived in the area his entire life. He described his fellow firefighters as an extended family united by a commitment to helping others.