Bloomington Fire Captain James Schreiber Dies Suddenly at 53 After 29 Years of Service
Bloomington Fire Captain James Schreiber, 53, died suddenly at his home after nearly 29 years of service. The department called him a pillar of the fire service. Funeral services are set for this weekend.
The Bloomington Fire Department is mourning the sudden loss of one of its own. Captain James Schreiber, 53, died while off duty at his home on Monday, June 15, according to Fire Chief Cory Matheny.
Schreiber served the city of Bloomington for nearly three decades. His career began on March 10, 1997. He was promoted to engineer in 2008 and to captain in June 2019.
A pillar of the department
Chief Matheny called Schreiber a pillar of the Bloomington Fire Department.
"Captain James Schreiber was the very definition of what it means to serve. For over 29 years, he showed up for this department, for his crew, and for the citizens of Bloomington with integrity and heart," Matheny said.
"On behalf of the entire Bloomington Fire Department, I extend my deepest condolences to James's family and to every member of this department who is grieving alongside them. His memory will live on in everything we do."
Awards and education
According to his obituary, Schreiber graduated from Normal Community High School in 1990. He earned an associate degree in fire science from Illinois Community College in 2006.
Over his career, Schreiber received several departmental awards, according to Matheny:
- Life Saving Award
- Unit Citation Award
- Chief's Vision Award
- Advanced Education Award
Funeral arrangements
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Carmody Flynn Funeral Home in Bloomington.
- Visitation: Friday, June 19, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Funeral service: Saturday, June 20, at 10 a.m.
The Bloomington Fire Department announced the news on Monday. Multiple local outlets including WJBC, 25News Now, and The Pantagraph confirmed the details from department sources.