Deputies raise money for triplets whose dad died in motorcycle crash

Cook County sheriff's deputies are continuing to sell baked goods at the Rolling Meadows courthouse through Friday, to benefit the triplets of a volunteer firefighter who died after a motorcycle crash in Schaumburg.

The story of Joshua Kuhl, 33, of Machesney Park near Rockford, has attracted wide attention because of the heroic efforts made to save him at the scene by several passers-by, including a flight attendant, an off-duty Cook County sheriff's deputy, a rookie Illinois state trooper and an aquatics supervisor from the Bloomingdale Park District.

Kuhl lost control of his motorcycle about 5 p.m. July 28 on a ramp from Route 53 to I-290. He died five days later.

Kuhl and his wife, Kalie, were the parents of triplets Travin, Gavin and Broden, born a year ago with a rare condition called twin-to-twin-to-twin transfusion. They've since recovered.

Deputy Sheriff Jeanne Raines of Elk Grove Village and her sister, Deputy Sheriff Kathy Perry of Addison, both of whom work at the Rolling Meadows courthouse, organized the bake sale and made most of the treats. A few were contributed by a local bakery.

"We spent eight hours on this," Raines said of the effort required.

She said her inspiration was "that he was a firefighter - it's like a family." She said the two previously organized bake sales for a law enforcement officer who died, leaving three children, and one who had a child needing treatment for a serious disease.

The courthouse is at 2121 W. Euclid Ave. The baked goods are for sale from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in a room to the right just inside the entrance past court security.

Donations also can be sent to the Kuhl triplets, c/o Sycamore National Bank and Trust, 230 W. State St., Sycamore, IL 60178.