A Valparaiso fire truck draped in black bunting sat outside Immanuel Lutheran Church Saturday, with fire department vehicles lined up behind it.
Inside the church, mourners, including fellow firefighters, filled the pews to say their final goodbyes to Valparaiso Fire Chief David Nondorf, 56, who died Monday after battling cancer the last few years.
Speakers recalled his dedication to his family; his leadership as president of Firefighters Local 1124 and then as chief of the department, a position he held for 12 years; and his intelligence, humility and strength.
Mayor Jon Costas thanked Nondorf’s family, including wife Kristy, daughter Maddie, and sons Nicholas and Zachary, for sharing Nondorf with the city as fire chief, a round-the-clock job.
“Firefighting is a life and death vocation you can hardly call a job,” he said, adding naming Nondorf as chief was one of the best decisions he ever made.
Costas said he saw a leader who could move the department forward, had a clear vision, and a sense of humility, qualities that have left a lasting legacy at the fire department, he said.
“He made me a better mayor. I learned way more from David Nondorf than he could have ever learned from me,” the mayor said.
Tom Hanify, president of the Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana, established a business relationship with Nondorf when he led Local 1124.
On numerous trips to conventions and other events across the state and the country, Hanify said, “the way David remembered his family back home spoke to the man he was,” showing his loyalty and commitment.
Though Nondorf wasn’t interested in politics, Hanify said, he advocated tirelessly on behalf of his fellow firefighters in the union.
“He had an impact statewide, across every corner, especially in that state house, and I’m so proud of what he’s done,” Hanify said, adding Nondorf’s impact could be felt in all aspects of public safety.
The work Nondorf accomplished in Valparaiso, including establishing a firefighting territory and an emergency medical services program, made for a better community and provided a model for the entire state, he added.
Daughter Maddie, a sophomore at Valparaiso High School, thanked everyone for their love and support over the past years as her father battled cancer.
Her father was determined in all things in his life, including his love of chocolate cake, watching the Chicago Bears on television and being in denial about how loudly he snored, she said. Most importantly, she said, her dad never gave up fighting, even when he knew his time would be limited.
“We all know my dad wouldn’t want anyone crying so if you are, think about all the lives he saved and touched,” she said.
Mark Nondorf, one of the fire chief’s younger brothers, described Nondorf as a gifted athlete who turned down a full football scholarship at Northern Illinois University at the last minute to help with his father’s electrical business.
During the time Nondorf had cancer, “he battled every day and did it in his own way,” his brother said, continuing to work with the fire department, attending Zachary’s high school graduation, Maddie’s volleyball games, and Nicholas’ EMT certification, as well as taking a family vacation.
“Many of you know that David never asked for much and didn’t want to be a burden,” Mark Nondorf said, adding he went to stay with his brother for a couple of days recently.
They sat on the porch in the cool breeze and talked about everything, including politics, he said, adding his older brother never complained.
“They were two of the best days I ever had,” he said.
Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
