Tim O'Brien's Legal Defense Fund

It is time to help the man who spent over 20 years helping thousands of others.

For more than two decades, Tim O'Brien of the Chicago Fire Department and Local 2 Firefighters Union dedicated his life to helping others. Wounded veterans, sick children, firefighters and paramedics in need, as well as thousands of less fortunate children, were recipients of his efforts. Through his work, he provided new cars, financial assistance and countless gifts.

Tim created and ran the Local 2 Toy Parade for 18 years, benefitting over 2,000 children annually. This effort brought joy to nearly 38,000 children and delivered approximately 15,000 new bicycles. In addition, Tim initiated the AAFI Warrior Program, gifting 13 brand-new cars to severely wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Under Tim's leadership, the Chicago Fire Department raised over $1.1 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association , the official charity of IAFF. He also founded the Make-A-Wish Fundraising Day in 2007 with the Chicago Firefighters Union, raising nearly $400,000 during his 10 years of involvement. This initiative granted wishes for very sick children and generated additional funds through media and community outreach.

In March 2023, Tim suffered and ischemic stroke. Despite this, he has worked diligently toward recovery and has made significant progress.

Now, Tim faces a legal battle and his mounting legal fees have reached a critical point. He is being sued, and although the cases against the Firefighters Union and the former president of Local 2 have been thrown out of court, the case against Tim remains unresolved. This case has dragged on for nearly 18 months, accumulating approximately $50,000 in legal fees to date, which could rise to $100,000 or more. With no end currently in sight, we hope for a resolution soon.

Throughout his life, Tim has helped countless others by promoting, attending and organizing fundraiser for police, fire and EMS families in need. He has also cared for his wife who suffers from muscular dystrophy and has undergone multiple surgeries in an effort to improve her mobility.

Now it's our turn to help him out of this overwhelming situation.