On June 13, 2007, 56-year-old John Sligting was killed when a teen driver talking on her cell phone rolled through a stop sign and into the path of his motorcycle.
John Sligting routinely went out of his way for anyone who might need his support. A father to three daughters and a grandfather to four grandchildren, John balanced the demands of his job and spending quality time with his family. He was passionate about both. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter and climbed the ranks to Captain at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Waukegan, IL. He was president of the International Association of Firefighters Union and the national delegate of his local chapter.
John was loved by all who met him. He was a dedicated father and firefighter, a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, a volunteer and a safety advocate. John also was an avid motorcyclist. Despite Illinois not having a helmet requirement for motorcyclists, John religiously wore one and he was cautious when he traveled through intersections so other motorists would see him.
John’s daughter, Charlene, is active in the fight to bring awareness to the dangers of cell phone use while driving and is a victim advocate for the National Safety Council.
John’s story appears on the U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s “Faces of Distracted Driving” site. Watch it here:
