I was saddened today to learn of Mr. Kuryla's death. Knowing him since I was a child he could only be decribed as one of the kindest men I have ever known. I wish his service to the Hillside Fire Department would also have been mentioned. I came to know Mike through my Dad. Mike said that he and my father had ridden to many a fire standing together on the back of a fire truck.

Mike gave me my start in public safety a young member of the Hillside ESDA; Mike was Director at the time. I would go on to join the Chicago Police, and eventually become a public safty director (chief of police) myself in Arizona. Thanks for everything Mr. Kuryla, it was my honor to know a True American Hero like you. My prayers and best wishes to the entire Kuryla Family.