Archive for June 17th, 2011

Skokie flies WTC Patriot Flag

Skokie Fire Department flies the WTC Patriot Flag

A Patriot Flag measuring 30' x 50' was flown in Skokie on Wednesday. Hank Sajovic photo

 

From Hank Sajovic, Lieutenant, Skokie Truck Co. No. 18:

The Skokie Fire Department hosted a Patriot Flag on June 16, 2011. The flag is traveling across the country and will fly in all 50 states. During the week of September 11, 2011, it will fly at all three locations were Americans were killed on 9/11/2001. The 30′ x 50′ flag was flown from Skokie Truck Co. No. 18 at the corner of Skokie Blvd and Golf Road. Members of the Skokie Fire and Police Honor Guard units provided the honors at the raising.

Skokie Fire Department flies the WTC Patriot Flag

Firefighters and officers carry the Patriot Flag so that it can be affixed to the ladder sections of Skokie Truck 18. Hank Sajovic photo

Skokie Fire Department flies the WTC Patriot Flag

As the flag is secured to the extended aerial ladder, the Honor Guard featuring police officers and firefighters is seen in the background. Hank Sajovic photo

Skokie Fire Department flies the WTC Patriot Flag

The flag unfurls as the ladder is raised. Hank Sajovic photo

Skokie Fire Department flies the WTC Patriot Flag

More of the enormous flag is visible as the ladder goes higher. Hank Sajovic photo

Skokie Fire Department flies the WTC Patriot Flag

The full stature of the flag is visible with Skokie's ladder as a support. Hank Sajovic photo

Skokie Fire Department flies the WTC Patriot Flag

Members of the police and fire department honor guard. Hank Sajovic photo

Skokie Fire Department flies the WTC Patriot Flag

The flag waves proudly above the honor guard. Hank Sajovic photo

Skokie Fire Department flies the WTC Patriot Flag

The immense stature of the enormous flag can be seen here towering over the parking lot and Skokie Truck 18. Hank Sajovic photo

Skokie Fire Department flies the WTC Patriot Flag

A banner with the names of all who perished on 9/11 travels with the flag. Hank Sajovic photo

Skokie Fire Department flies the WTC Patriot Flag

Proud members of the Skokie police and fire departments at the presentation of the Patriot Flag. Hank Sajovic photo ... that's Hank kneeling on the far left ...

Skokie Fire Department Patriot Flag

Captain Dan Smith Skokie FPB, Jim Walters Skokie Deputy Chief and retired FDNY Lt Joe Torrillo who survived the collapse of both towers (at separate times. He was trapped in the first tower, rescued and then trapped on a rescue boat when the second one collapsed.) Hank Sajovic photo

 

The Trib Local (Skokie Edition) has an article HERE about the flag’s journey. Some excerpts from the article:

The Patriot Flag is traveling across the country in all 50 states and on September 11, 2011, it will fly at the three locations where Americans were killed on 09/11/01.

During the week of June 14, the flag will be in Illinois and is scheduled to fly in the following locations:

6/14 – Chicago (rumored to be at McCormick Place) – Flag Day
6/15 – Orland Park & Joliet
6/16 – Skokie & Morton Grove
6/18 – Marseilles (Middle East Conflict Memorial Wall)
6/19 – Springfield

The Patriot Flag story can be found HERE.

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Airport fire training

Prospect Heights Fire Department Crash Truck 39

Prospect Heights Fire Department Crash Truck 39. Photo by Larry Shapiro

Prospect Heights and Wheeling firefighters went to O’Hare Airport on Thursday to train with the aircraft props. Both fire departments share responsibility for the firefighting operations at the Chicago Executive Airport (formerly Palwaukee Airport) which resides in both their districts. Both Wheeling Crash Truck 23 and Prospect Height Crash Truck 39 were taken to the airport. Firefighters practiced with handlines for engine fires, brake fires, and full-scale aircraft fires. Then they deployed both ARFF units to attack a simulated crash.

Chicago Fire Department O'Hare firefighting

CFD ARFF 657R is deployed by firefighters from Champaign. Larry Shapiro photo

Firefighters from Champaign were also at the training site today and did three evolutions using 657R, a CFD reserve Oshkosh T-3000.

 

Larry Shapiro was invited to the training and took several hundred photos in addition to a video.

Prospect Heights Fire Department Crash Truck 39

Crash Truck 39 attacks the pit fire. Larry Shapiro Photo

Wheeling Fire Department Crash Truck 23

Wheeling Crash Truck 23 moves in to knock down the pit fire. Larry Shapiro photo

Wheeling Firefighters airport training

Wheeling firefighters advance a hand line. Larry Shapiro photo

Prospect Heights firefighter training

Prospect Heights firefighters work on an engine fire alongside brakes that are burning. Larry Shapiro photo

Larry has a gallery with over 250 images HERE.

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