Elgin News Digest: West Dundee fire captain loses cancer battle at age 46; ‘Hoppin’ for Hanover’ egg hunt at Izaak Walton center Saturday; PADS holding trivia night fundraiser at Elgin Public House

West Dundee fire captain loses cancer battle at age 46

West Dundee Fire Department Capt. Dan Kilian died Sunday, March 10, of cancer.

Kilian, 46, started with the West Dundee department in 2005, being promoted to lieutenant in 2022 and captain in 2023, according to a news release. During his tenure, Kilian took on various roles, including union president, EMS coordinator and Kane County Fire Investigators Task Force member.

Kilian was diagnosed with colon cancer in January 2023, according to a GoFundMe page, www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-need-support-captain-dan-kilians-family, set up by West Dundee Fire Chief Michael Spiro for Kilian’s wife and 7-year-old son. In January, a setback forced him to discontinue chemotherapy and it was determined the cancer was terminal in early March, the fundraising site says.

Kilian’s death leaves a void both professionally and personally, Spiro said in the release.

“His leadership, compassion and unwavering dedication to his fellow firefighters and the community have left an unforgettable mark on all who knew him,” he said. “During this incredibly challenging time, the West Dundee Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to the Kilian family.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been set.

Free screenings for Hanover Township vets, vet spouses offered

Hanover Township will offer free health screenings for military veterans and their spouses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 15, at the Astor Avenue Community Center, 7431 Astor Ave., Hanover Park.

A variety of screenings will be available, including blood glucose (diabetes), hemoglobin (anemia), blood pressure, heart rate and total cholesterol, according to a news release.

Walk-ins are welcome but appointments preferred and recommended. Sharps disposal will be offered.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 630-540-9085 or email info@hanover-township.org.

‘Hoppin’ for Hanover’ egg hunt at Izaak Walton center Saturday

The “Hoppin’ for Hanover” free Easter egg hunt will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at the Hanover Township Izaak Walton Youth Center, 899 Jay Street, Elgin.

Participants are asked to bring their own bag or basket, according to a news release. The hunt is divided into three sessions based on age:

  • Ages 2 to 4 — 10:30 to 10:45 a.m.;

  • Ages 5 to 7 — 11 to 11:15 a.m.;

  • Ages 8 to 10 — 11:30 to 11:45 a.m.

Games, photos with the Easter Bunny and crafts will be offered during each session. No registration is required.

For more information, call 630-483-5799 or email info@hanover-township.org.

PADS holding trivia night fundraiser at Elgin Public House

PADS of Elgin is hosting a trivia night fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at Elgin Public House. 219 E. Chicago St., Elgin.

The cost to play is $5 per person, according to an online release. PADS provides shelter and services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

For more information, go to padsofelgin.org/, call 847-608-9744 or email info@padsofelgin.org.