Relief for retired FC Bill Ruting after devastating complications following liver transplant
Relief for FC Bill Ruting and family
A 501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible Campaign
LaGrange, Illinois’ retired Fire Chief Bill Ruting has suffered a catastrophic disability following a recent liver transplant. In 2025, he learned that his liver was failing, and by December he had been admitted to the hospital to await a transplant. He was incredibly fortunate to receive a donor liver within just three weeks of being admitted. Unfortunately, during surgery he developed a spinal epidural hematoma that could not be treated quickly enough to prevent permanent damage. As a result, Chief Ruting was left paraplegic and now faces significant medical and personal challenges.
Chief Ruting dedicated more than 30 years of service to the La Grange community, beginning as a volunteer firefighter and ultimately serving as Fire Chief from 1997 to 2005. Throughout his career, he served in many roles, including EMT, Hazmat specialist, MABAS Box Chief and executive board member, union leader, fire investigator, educator, and author of two books about the Village of La Grange, including a history of the fire department. He worked tirelessly to support his wife, Pat, and their two children, while also mentoring and advocating for the firefighters and paramedics who served alongside him. Bill and Pat shared a love of travel, visiting all 50 states and more than 30 countries, and he was also passionate about photography, a hobby he can no longer pursue due to his condition. As he prepares to return home, his family faces substantial expenses for wheelchair accessibility modifications, daily care, transportation to therapy, and other essential needs that are not covered by insurance or Medicare. Let’s show up for Bill and his family in a time of great need.
