Paramedic
Skokie Fire
Chicago, IL
Age: 54
Last Call: 01/20/2023
Circumstances: Cancer
Andy Cutting was an outstanding husband, friend, firefighter, and paramedic. He was also an amazing human being. Andy truly celebrated life through his love for his wife, Karla and their dog Bindi, family, music, travel, and service. Andy lived his life through these interests with passion and dedication.
Andy started his life of service back home by becoming a medic in the Australian Army. Fortunately for all who came to know him here in the United States, on one of his many trips Andy met the love of his life, Karla. Meeting her brought him here to Chicago where he dedicated himself to starting a career in the Fire and Emergency Medical Service. Andy put himself through paramedic school and started his career with the Skokie Fire Department on September 5th , 2001. From that point on, Andy dedicated himself to the Skokie Fire Department and community service.
Andy was dedicated to his wonderful wife Karla and to his Skokie Fire Department family. She was his world. He would talk endlessly about her, music and his adventures traveling. Andy was an outstanding musician who could play many instruments. He had a great sense of humor and was a great storyteller who could capture an audience. He was a great firehouse cook who would work very hard to make sure the members of his shift had a good meal waiting for them while they were working. Andy was a mentor to new members of the department. He was very skillful as a paramedic and firefighter and always looked for ways to pass along his knowledge to the newer members.
Andy was also a dedicated member of the Skokie Fire Department Apparatus Committee where he worked tirelessly to ensure his fellow members had the best and safest apparatus possible. Andy loved being an engineer. Andy’s passion for driving big trucks started back in Australia when he drove semi-trucks. When the opportunity arose to become the operator of Truck 18, a piece of equipment that he played a role in refurbishing as a member of the apparatus committee, there was no one better for that position.
Andy was an amazing friend and mentor that impacted many members of the Skokie Fire Department throughout the years.
He is truly missed every day.