Firefighter set for indictment
BY CASEY TONER ctoner@southtownstar.com March 7, 2013 7:12PM
Patrick Bruce, 45, of Oak Forest
Updated: April 9, 2013 11:45AM
The Orland Fire Protection District and Crestwood firefighter who is facing felony reckless homicide charges is set to be indicted later this month.
Patrick Bruce, 45, of Oak Forest, was also charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and reckless driving in the March 1 crash that killed 25-year-old Anasis Knox. Bruce, who posted a $250,000 bond, appeared in court wearing a suit for a status hearing Thursday at the Bridgeview Courthouse.
Prosecutors said Bruce is scheduled to be indicted during a March 25 hearing at the Bridgeview Courthouse.
Bruce is no longer being represented by attorney and Tinley Park mayoral candidate Steven Eberhardt. Eberhardt said attorney Matthew Walsh is now representing Bruce, but declined to say why the change was made.
Bruce has been on leave from the Orland fire district, where he works as a lieutenant, since July 4 because of a work-related injury.
He’s also a part-time deputy fire chief in Crestwood. His brother, Jon Bruce, is the Crestwood fire chief and also a lieutenant for the Orland Fire Protection District.
Orland Fire District attorney Jim Roche said that the district would determine any discipline for Bruce after his indictment.
Contributing: Steve Metsch
