A Lake Forest Paramedic/Firefighter will be trading in her fire helmet for stripes, hockey pads and ice skates after she was named an official Hockey Referee for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy.

Sam Hiller, who has previously refereed Chicago Wolves games at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, was one of 10 females from the United States chosen to work as a hockey official at the Olympics, the city of Lake Forest announced on their Facebook.

“By day, she rushes into burning buildings and saves lives in our community,” the city announced. “Come February, she’ll be making split-second calls on the world’s biggest stage as the best hockey players on the planet compete for Olympic gold.”

The city said Hiller embodies dedication, quick thinking, and composure under pressure that defines both professions.

“Whether it’s a five-alarm fire or a five-on-three power play, she stays cool when things heat up,” officials continued.

Lake & McHenry County Scanner

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