Excerpts from DailyHerald.com:
Steve De Luca, a firefighter from Mount Prospect and a Northbrook Fire Department member, is no stranger to challenges. In the coming months, he’s set to take on three major endurance events: a half-marathon in July, the Ironman Wisconsin in September, and the Chicago Marathon in October—his 25th.
But his most significant personal milestone is yet to come. In 2017, De Luca will celebrate 16 years of being cancer-free after battling stage 3 colon cancer in 2001. His journey has not only been about physical strength but also about resilience and perseverance.
De Luca's health struggles didn’t stop there. More than 20 years ago, surgeons removed an acoustic neuroma—a benign tumor—from his head. The procedure left him with near-total hearing loss in his left ear, and now his right ear is also experiencing progressive hearing decline.
Despite these challenges, De Luca has never let them define his career. He has served as a firefighter apparatus engineer for 26 years, relying on specialized hearing aids in both ears that help him detect critical sounds, such as emergency dispatch tones. These devices allow him to perform his duties effectively, even with his hearing limitations.
Northbrook Fire Chief Jose Torres notes that De Luca is one of the few firefighters in the department of nearly 100 members who wears two hearing aids while on duty. “He’s an inspiration,†Torres said. “His dedication and determination are unmatched.â€
Beyond his own health battles, De Luca has become a strong advocate for safety and wellness within the fire department. He strongly supports the use of air quality monitors, especially in environments where firefighters face toxic exposure.
While all firefighters use breathing apparatuses during emergencies, they often face dangerous conditions during cleanup phases, where they may be exposed to harmful gases. De Luca’s experience has made him a valuable voice in promoting better protective measures.
This year, Torres appointed De Luca to the Northbrook Fire Department’s Health and Wellness Committee, recognizing his unique perspective and lived experience. “He doesn’t run these races just for himself,†Torres added. “He does it for others—especially those currently fighting cancer.â€
De Luca’s story is more than just about running or surviving—it’s about inspiring others to push through adversity, stay healthy, and never give up on their goals.
Thanks, Dan
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