Ron Leonard – Volunteer Firefighter
66 Years of Service. Firefighter. Community Pillar.
Ron Leonard joined the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company in August of 1959. Over the course of nearly seven decades, he has shown up for his community in countless ways—responding to calls, mentoring fellow firefighters, and lending his time and talents to uphold the mission of Neighbors Protecting Neighbors.
Ron’s dedication has always gone beyond the expected. Over the years, he’s taken on a variety of roles, including Assistant Fire Chief, radios and pagers coordinator, and insurance committee chair. He helped design Squad 35 and played a key role in restoring and maintaining Engine 1. No matter the task, Ron approached it with pride, responsibility, and an unwavering love for Glen Ellyn.
In 2004, the Village formally recognized Ron for his decades of service—both as a firefighter and as the owner and operator of Leonard Memorial Funeral Home. That honor was just one of many reminders of how deeply intertwined Ron’s legacy is with the fabric of this town.
“Ron Leonard represents the very best of what it means to be a neighbor and a firefighter.”
On July 28, 2025, just days before his 66th service anniversary, Fire Chief Clark presented Ron with a second formal proclamation during the Village of Glen Ellyn’s Regular Board Meeting. Delivered in front of Village leadership, fellow firefighters, and residents, the recognition served as a powerful tribute—not just to Ron’s longevity, but to the lasting impact he has made on generations of Glen Ellyn neighbors.
You can watch that moment below, and hear firsthand the gratitude shared by Chief Clark—as well as the standing ovation that followed.
Now, after nearly 66 years of service, Ron is officially retiring from the Fire Company. But his impact won’t fade. The firehouse, the trucks, the radios—each carries the imprint of his work. More than that, the people he’s trained, encouraged, and stood beside will carry forward his example of what it truly means to serve.
Ron’s colleagues describe him as enthusiastic, dedicated, and full of integrity. He’s known for doing the job with care and precision—but also with warmth and humility. His presence made the company stronger. His absence will be felt.
From all of us in Glen Ellyn: thank you, Ron!
“From all of us in Glen Ellyn: thank you, Ron!”
Ron’s Fire Company Legacy:
- 66 years of service. A lifetime of protecting and supporting his community.
- Leadership through action. Roles held include Assistant Fire Chief, insurance chair, Squad 35 designer, and more.
- Mentorship. A steady presence and a source of knowledge and calm for generations of firefighters.
- Recognized twice by the Village. First in 2004, and again in a public proclamation during the 2025 Village Board Meeting.
- Community-centered. Whether responding to emergencies or running Leonard Memorial, Ron brought compassion to every role.
