Retired Fire Chief Hugh Stott, known for his dedication to training firefighters and coaching high school baseball players, is battling ALS.
Fire Department Coffee has stepped in to support him, donating $5,000 for a custom wheelchair for Hugh.
Additionally, they introduced a Benefit Coffee Bag and Shirt, with proceeds going to support Hugh’s ongoing fight with ALS.
The design of these items features “Everybody Gets Home Safe,” a phrase reflecting Hugh’s passions for both firefighting and baseball.
Luke Schneider, Founder and CEO of Fire Department Coffee, stated: “I’m honored to share the story of retired Fire Chief Hugh Stott, a man dedicated to making good people better.
“As a firefighter, coach, and mentor, Hugh trained countless firefighters, taught high school baseball players valuable life lessons, and instilled the principle, ‘Do the right thing, always,’ in his family.”
Hugh Stott’s career spanned many years and included serving as Deputy Chief of the West Chicago Fire Protection District.
He was also one of the first firefighter-paramedics in Illinois and an active member of the Illinois Fire Service Institute, where he trained firefighters worldwide.
Many of those he trained and coached, along with his family, gathered to honor him.
His wife Karen, his children Kevin and Kristen, and his grandchildren were present to celebrate his achievements and support him in his battle against ALS.
Rich Valenta, a retired lieutenant who has known Hugh since 1979, shared stories of their close friendship and professional relationship.
Valenta said: “All he wants to do is the job. He wants to be as good as he can be and to take care of the guys. That’s who Hugh Stott is.”
Hugh also served as a varsity baseball coach at West Chicago High School for 19 years.
His contributions extended beyond firefighting, as he instilled values of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance in his players.
His influence was far-reaching, impacting not only the lives of firefighters but also those of young athletes.
Hugh was diagnosed with ALS in early 2020. This disease, linked to firefighting hazards, has progressed rapidly, confining him to a wheelchair since 2020.
Despite this, Hugh’s mind remains sharp, and his sense of humor endures.
His wife Karen, along with hospice nurses, provide his primary care.
Research suggests a possible link between firefighting and an increased risk of ALS due to occupational hazards.
Firefighters are often exposed to intermittent hypoxia and toxic substances, which could contribute to neurodegenerative conditions.
A study indicated that firefighters might be twice as likely to get ALS compared to the general population.
Karen explained the impact of the custom wheelchair: “As his body weakens, he may need different supports. Sometimes he leans to the right. So it can help him be more upright, more comfortable.”
Hugh’s current wheelchair is on loan from the Les Turner ALS Foundation, based in Skokie, IL.
With the donation from Fire Department Coffee, they will purchase a chair customized for Hugh and return the loaner to benefit someone else.
Throughout his career, Hugh Stott aimed to ensure the safety of every firefighter under his command.
His leadership and commitment to training have left a lasting impact on many.
As he faces ALS, his story is a testament to his resilience and the importance of community support.
Many firefighters Hugh served with and taught over the years gathered to celebrate him.
His dedication to the profession and his ability to form strong bonds with his colleagues were evident in the turnout and the stories shared.
Hugh’s diagnosis came just months after his retirement in June 2019.
His friends and family had noticed symptoms, including difficulty walking, before the formal diagnosis in January 2020.
ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the loss of muscle control.
Despite the challenges, Hugh remains positive and grateful for the support he has received.
He said recently: “Life has been good to me so far. I was very lucky. I made a lot of friends through teaching, and they turned out to be great people.
“I developed a lot because of them. Like they say, I was in the right place at the right time.”
ALS is also commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famous New York Yankees slugger who was diagnosed in June 1939.
Less than a month after his diagnosis, Gehrig delivered his famous farewell speech, declaring: “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.”
Decades later, Hugh and Rich were among a group from the Illinois Fire Service Institute visiting New York City.
They managed to arrange an impromptu tour of Yankee Stadium, where Hugh delivered a boisterous rendition of the national anthem at home plate, steps from where Gehrig gave his speech.
Rich said: “Not only is Hugh my best friend, but in this business, he is truly one of a kind.”
