Firefighter/EMT Mark B. Gillam
Mark Brian Gillam was a lifelong resident of Elwood, Indiana, a decorated public servant and USMC veteran. Gillam was a veteran firefighter who dedicated more than three decades to protecting the city. He died on October 3, 2021, at age 58, following a prolonged battle with COVID-19. His death is officially recognized as a line-of-duty death by the Elwood Fire Department, the State of Indiana’s EMS Memorial, and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. He is one of three line-of-duty deaths recorded in the Elwood Fire Department’s history.
Mark was born in Elwood to Paul M. Gillam and Sharon S. Stage Gillam. Although his home and much of his life were centered in Elwood, he attended Tipton High School, graduating in 1981. Following high school, he served in the United States Marine Corps before entering municipal emergency services. His father, Paul, was also a Marine veteran, having served during the Korean War. Military service was therefore part of the Gillam family’s history across two generations.
Gillam’s firefighting career began in 1990. He continued serving until his illness in 2021. By the time of his death, he held the rank of Engineer and was a licensed EMT. He was also a longtime member of Local 1671 of the International Association of Fire Fighters and had served multiple terms in union leadership.
Elwood Fire Chief Mark Sullivan, who had worked alongside Gillam for 22 years, described him as a source of institutional knowledge. Sullivan specifically recalled Gillam’s expertise in fire inspections and the Indiana fire code. Beyond responding to emergencies, Gillam also participated in teaching fire safety to local schoolchildren.
August 21, 2021 – Gillam provided medical services to patients over a 12-hour period while on duty at the Elwood Glass Festival.
August 25, 2021 – Four days after the festival assignment, Gillam began experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
August 30, 2021 – As his condition deteriorated, he sought hospital treatment, tested positive for COVID-19, and was admitted.
September 2021 – His condition worsened, eventually requiring mechanical ventilation and a medically induced coma.
October 3, 2021 – Gillam died at Ascension St. Vincent Carmel Hospital, approximately six weeks after the festival assignment. Family and friends were reportedly with him at the time of his death.
Beyond the Fire Station
Gillam’s community involvement extended well beyond emergency services. One of his most meaningful volunteer commitments was as a counselor at Hoosier Burn Camp. He volunteered with the camp for approximately 21 years, helping children who had experienced serious burn injuries.
Mark also contributed to several Elwood community organizations.
- Served on the Harry Bridges Little League board.
- Coached baseball involving his children and grandchildren.
- Umpired District 6 Little League games.
- Volunteered at the Elwood Elks Lodge, where he was a member.
- Operated Golden Threads, a local graphics business, with his wife Kathy and daughter-in-law Cara.
He also enjoyed traveling, camping, fantasy football, and spending time with his family.
Family Life
Gillam married Kathy L. (Kelley) Mort in February 2007. His obituary identifies seven children: Jessica Short, Brian Gillam, Bradley Gillam, Ashley King, Melodi Smith, Jonathan Mort and Joshua Mort. He was also survived by his mother Sharon and sister Lisa Mick. His father, Paul, had died in September 2015.
The Final Goodbye
The city held a full line-of-duty firefighter funeral to honor Gillam’s 31 years of public service. Visitation was conducted on Monday, October 11, at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, 415 South Anderson Street. The Indiana Patriot Guard participated in providing honors. The following day, October 12, his funeral took place at the Elwood Junior/Senior High School auditorium, beginning at 1 p.m. The Rev. Roger Gardner, Mayor Todd Jones and Fire Chief Mark Sullivan were among those who spoke or participated.
Mayor Todd Jones described Gillam as an important part of the community and a loyal friend, while Chief Sullivan remembered his experience, leadership and dedication to family. Following the ceremony, cremation was arranged.
State & National Recognition
2021 — Indiana EMS Memorial
Gillam is listed by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security among EMS personnel who died in the line of duty, with October 3, 2021 recorded as his death date.
September 29, 2022 — Indiana Fallen Firefighters Memorial
The Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana included Mark B. Gillam in its annual memorial remembrance.
May 2024 — National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend
Gillam was included in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s 2024 memorial publication, with a full-page biography and uniformed portrait on printed page 55.
