Services Set For Retired CFD Paramedic And Wife Killed In Crash

CHICAGO, IL -- A retired CFD paramedic and his wife who were both killed in a chain reaction crash will be laid to rest this week. Richard, 63, and his wife Susan, 60, were killed early Sunday morning in the South Deering neighborhood when their truck was hit head on by the driver of a Chevy. The couple had been married for 43 years.

Biehl had been an ambulance commander for the Chicago Fire Department and also worked part-time for the Crestwood Fire Department, until his retirement two years ago. Richard and Sue had just celebrated their son, William’s wedding, a week before the accident, news reports said.

“It was his passion. He liked saving people’s lives, making a difference as much as he could,” William Biehl told WGN. “No matter what color, what race, or whatever or what religion, they try their hardest to make sure you make it to the hospital to live another day.”

A combination of high speed and alcohol are believed to have played a role in the deadly crash. The driver of the Chevy, 30-year-old Doran Sims, was taken to the hospital in critical condition. He has been charged with drunk driving and driving with a suspended license, both misdemeanors.

The couple leaves four children, Cindy (Danny) Brant, Vicki (Patrick) Sullivan, Shaun Biehl, and William (Tianna) Biehl, and 11 grandchildren, Joseph, Amber, Anna, Aiden, Liam, Jahiem, Aolani, Isiah, Miracle, Arabella, and Ari.

Visitation for the Richard and Susan will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn (Cicero Avenue and 103rd Street).

A 9 a.m. prayer service will take place the following morning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Blake-Lamb, with a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Thomas More Church, 2825 W 81st St., Chicago.

~ Photo provided by Crestwood Fire Department