Cheryl Michalek, known affectionately as "Trauma Mama," was a unique blend of sharp wit and gentle care, much like the flavor of lemon and honey. She became a legendary figure in emergency medical training, teaching thousands of first responders over the years. Her influence rippled through the community as her students passed on the knowledge to even more paramedics, firefighters, and police officers.

Mrs. Michalek passed away on March 5 at her home in Riverdale after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was 77, survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard, and three sons. Her funeral was attended by numerous firefighters and police officers in full dress uniform, a testament to the respect she earned throughout her career. The Dolton Fire Department even raised an aerial ladder and flew the American flag in her honor.

For decades, Mrs. Michalek balanced her nursing job at Little Company of Mary Hospital with her volunteer work teaching emergency medical services classes in the south and southwest suburbs. She would often finish her shift and head straight to class, still in uniform, ready to share her expertise.

"She always reminded us that every patient is someone's family member—brother, father, daughter, or son," said Midlothian Fire Chief Stephen M. Hotwagner. "You treat them with the same dignity and respect you'd want for your own."

Despite the challenges of teaching a room full of confident but inexperienced firefighters and officers, Cheryl never backed down. A city girl from North Roseland, she had a sharp tongue and a bigger heart. If someone interrupted a lesson with arrogance, she’d challenge them directly: "Do you wanna get up here and teach?"

Dr. Bernie Heilicser, medical director of the South Cook County EMS System, described her as a passionate and humble educator who shaped the careers of countless EMTs. Her students included three Chicago fire commissioners—James Joyce, Ray Orozco Jr., and Robert Hoff—as noted by her son Gary, a firefighter himself.

"Cheryl was a true pioneer," said Dr. Michael O’Mara, chair of emergency medicine at Little Company of Mary. "She was one of the first nurses to train EMTs on the South Side, and her impact is still felt today."

Sue Stacey, a dispatch supervisor and longtime friend, remembered how Cheryl always looked out for others. "I remember my mom pulling pennies out of her purse to buy a pool pass for the summer. We didn’t take vacations, but we always had Sunday dinner together."

If her students struggled, Cheryl invited them to her home for study sessions. Her sons, Rick and Scott, grew up watching their mother give selflessly to others. Rick went into construction, while Scott works as a Metra conductor. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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