'Hero To Many:' Fusdraiser Set For Firefighter Dylan Cunningham

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL — Visitation and funeral services are set for Tuesday and Wednesday for Dylan Cunningham, the South Holland firefighter who died last week after an underwater dive training exercise. Cunningham, 29, a soon-to-be father, is survived by his parents, siblings and fiancée.

A full-time South Holland firefighter since 2018, Cunningham had been with the fire department since 2011. He attended Thornwood High School in South Holland, where he excelled as a multisport athlete, according to the village. He received an associate degree of fire science at Prairie State College and later trained in Poland to become a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist for the Illinois Army National Guard. In October 2018, he received a Gold Seal from the South Cook County EMS medical director for his work in saving a patient on an EMS call, the village said.

Services were held in Dyer, Ind., with a fire department walk-through and honor guard from the Associated Firefighters of Illinois Honor Guard has been activated for the services.

A fundraiser launched for Cunningham's family and fiancée had raised more than $72,000 as of Monday morning.

According to his obituary, Cunningham is:

Loving son of Rosemary (nee Dempsey) and Patrick Eugene Cunningham. Loving brother of Melissa (Brad) Nance, Brad (Katie) Cunningham, Shannon (Brent) Graeser, Courtney Cunningham, and Cody Cunningham. Beloved fiancée of Laura Nye Cunningham. Devoted uncle of several nieces and nephews and nephew to many uncles and aunts and cousin to many. Dylan was a South Holland Firefighter, a United States National Guard Member, a father to be, a friend and “Hero” to many. He was loved and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.