Bradley Belanger, 45, of Esmond, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. After a courageous year-long battle with cancer, his body was overwhelmed and succumbed to the disease. Brad showed his fighting spirit and was able to share his wit and humor until the very end.

He was born in August of 1978 in Winfield, IL at Central DuPage Hospital to Robert Belanger Jr. and Joan (Muzzey) Belanger. He grew up in Glen Ellyn watching his father serve as an active member of the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Department. He graduated from Glenbard West in 1996 and soon after decided to carry on the family tradition by entering the fire service. He married Jamie (Lay) in June of 2006 and they spent the next two decades raising their sons Dakota and Hunter together.

Brad became a member of the Winfield Fire Protection District from 1998 to 2007. Thereafter, he was hired as a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic with the Sycamore Fire Department where he was an active and integral member of the organization for 23 years until his passing. He obtained his associates degree from College of DuPage, as well as numerous certifications from the Office of State Fire Marshal. During his career, he was a member of several department entities, including the MABAS 6 Technical Rescue Team, the fire investigation team, the department's health and safety committee, fleet and building maintenance programs, SCBA maintenance, and many other facets within the department. Additionally, he was also a member of BlackHawk Firefighter Association and the Illinois FIre Apparatus Mechanics.

He was a passionate and participating member of Sycamore Firefighters Local 3046 and always supported the AFFI and IAFF, where he was a union steward for his shift for a number of years. Brad prided himself on serving others and mentored countless members of the fire service throughout his career.

With his ever-present Sharpie, Brad was the heart and soul of our firehouse, bringing joy and laughter to all who crossed his path. His love for firehouse pranks and shenanigans became legendary, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie that will forever be etched in our memories. Beyond the humor, Brad was a pillar of strength and someone you could rely on in the toughest of times. He was always there.

Outside of the fire service, he was passionate about his community. He was well involved in the campaign against windmill farms near his home, which led to his desire to run and become elected to the Dekalb County Board in 2022, stepping down due to his diagnosis to focus on his family and his health.

In Brad's free time he could be found working on mechanical projects with his son. He enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and camping with his friends and family. Brad's infectious smile and giant hugs will forever be remembered by those who knew him. Brad was a friend to so many in our community, his loss is felt by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Belanger and Joan (Muzzey) Belanger and his grandparents. Brad is survived by his loving wife, Jamie, and their two sons Dakota Becker and Hunter.

He leaves behind a legacy of service that will be carried on by his brothers at Sycamore Fire Department.

Visitation services will be held on January 6, 2024 at the Sycamore Park District Community Center, located on Legacy Campus, 480 Airport Road, Sycamore, IL 60178. Civilian visitation to be held from 11am to 3pm. With a Fire Department walkthrough and ceremony beginning at 4pm. A private funeral service will follow. In lieu of flowers, it is preferred that memorials be made in the form of funds for services to the GoFundMe page: Fundraiser by Brad Belanger : BB's Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/bbs-cancer-care