About Mark your Path
Mark your Path foundation was created to honor the life and legacy of Lieutenant Mark Pytlewicz who passed away suddenly in October of 2024 at the age of 54. Mark was a man who believed in service, always ready and willing to serve his community in any way he could. Growing up in Chicago, he would frequent the local fire station because he felt drawn to the “heroes” that worked in the community. As a young adult, he coached baseball at the local park district near his childhood home, dedicating his time to teaching a sport he loved. Mark was a lifelong loyal Cubs fan but would always support any Chicago sports team. Throughout his life, Mark was always helping his neighbors, shoveling snow, doing repairs and lending an extra set of hands.
Upon moving to the Northwest Suburbs, Mark enrolled in a citizen’s fire academy program in Mount Prospect. He took one class, came home and told his wife, Theresa, that he was going to be a fireman. From that first day he started on his journey to his true calling. He immediately got hired to the Prospect Heights paid-on-call department. As he worked with Prospect Heights, he tested with many local communities for the opportunity to become a full-time fireman and was blessed to receive many offers. He was drawn to Elk Grove Village as it was close to home, and his children would attend school within the district. Mark excelled. He loved teaching children and adults about his amazing job. He loved being with the retirees of the fire department and listening to all their stories. He loved helping with charity events; especially the Rotary Fest in Elk Grove where he would sell corn with his fellow firemen. He not only made a difference in Elk Grove; Marks reach went far into surrounding communities. He was an integral member of the MABAS-Illinois Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 (IL-TF1). He was deployed to assist other communities in their time of need both in and out of state after major natural disasters. Mark was also the TRT team leader for Elk Grove Fire Department and was dedicated to helping further the team’s education and skills. As a Lieutenant, Mark’s focus was on his crew’s chemistry, training and mental health.
When not at the firehouse, Mark was an assistant scout leader for his son’s scout troop. Working with the scouts weekly to learn new skills to become stronger and wiser people. Teaching them life-skills; sewing on a button, using power tools, first aid and how to work as a team. For the last decade he would take a week off work every summer to attend camp with the troop, leading by example. Mark inspired the scouts to maximize their potential. The best example is his three sons achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment he was extremely proud of.
Mark was tough sometimes, but he always fought for the underdog. He never wanted to see anyone get bullied or disrespected. Mark would equally listen to the youngest of children and the oldest of friends.
In 2021, a close friend of his sons asked Mark for advice on how he can become a fireman after graduating from high school. Mark was thrilled and laid out a precise path on how to achieve this dream. The young man followed Mark’s guidance and recommendations and became a fire fighter/EMT/ paramedic three years later and serves within our community.
This is the inspiration for creating this foundation. To inspire a love of service and financially help and guide people wanting to become a fire fighter/EMT/paramedic to better our communities.
