Correction: The press release below has the corrected name of one of Chief Hicks' sons.

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - On Friday, June 16, 2017, former Evanston Fire Chief Sanders "Sam" Hicks passed away at home of complications related to Parkinson's disease. Chief Hicks started his career in 1950 as Evanston's first African American firefighter. He was promoted through the ranks and eventually became Evanston's first African American Fire Chief in 1980. Chief Hicks was also an instrumental part of starting the Evanston Fire Department's paramedic program in 1976. Chief Hicks retired in 1987, leaving a legacy of dedication and achievement.

Chief Hicks is survived by his wife, Karen; sons Brady Hicks and Michael Walters; and two grandchildren. Services are as follows:

Wake: Friday, June 23, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Donnellan Family Funeral Services, 10045 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL. The Fire Department Walk-through will take place at 7 p.m.

Visitation Service: Saturday, June 24, 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., at Donnellan Family Funeral Services.

Funeral Services: Saturday, June 24, 10:30 a.m. at Unitarian Church of Evanston, 1330 Ridge Ave., Evanston.

For more information, please contact Division Chief Paul Polep at ppolep@cityofevanston.org or call 847-866-5935.