Retired fire chief who inspired ‘Backdraft’ character dies

Former Sandwich Fire Chief Don Rimgale, 77, inspired the character by the same name that Robert De Niro played in the film

November 16, 2017 12:38 PM

By FireRescue1 Staff

SANDWICH, Ill. — A former fire chief who inspired a character in the film “Backdraft” died Monday at his home.

WSPY News reported that former Sandwich Fire Department Chief Don Rimgale, whom Robert De Niro portrayed in the film, died at age 77.

Before serving as chief to SFD, Rimgale was an arson investigator and fire marshal for the Chicago Fire Department.

Rimgale also acted in “Backdraft” as another character and went on to act in several movies such as “Baby’s Day Out” and “The Fugitive.”

Rimgale is survived by his wife, six children and five grandchildren.

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