Northbrook Fire Chief Jose Torres congratulates Tim Olk

Larry Shapiro photo

Area photographer and frequent chicagoareafire.com contributor Tim Olk was honored Monday night by the Northbrook Civic Foundation. He was awarded the Civic Award for his years of service to the community where he has lived all his life.

Congratulations Tim!

Tim Olk receives the Civic Award from the Northbrook Civic Foundation

Larry Shapiro photo

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

Tim Olk received one of two Northbrook 2015 Civic Awards Monday evening given by the Northbrook Civic Foundation.

He and seven volunteers of the greater Northbrook community were recognized at the Civic Foundation’s annual meeting and awards dinner. A professional fire scene photographer, Olk had spent the morning taking photographs of Chicago first responders firefighters hanging mourning bunting. He also photographed the processional which honored Chicago Fire Department firefighter Daniel Capuano, who died battling a blaze earlier in the day.

Olk was nominated for the award by Northbrook Fire Department Deputy Chief Tim Smeltzer. Several firefighters and Northbrook Fire Chief Jose Torres attended to support Olk who has photographed fire scenes since his youth. “Tim Olk is a selfless, giving individual,” Chief Torres said. “Not only is he locally recognized, but he is nationally recognized for his contributions.”

Northbrook Fire Chief Jose Torres

Larry Shapiro photo

Tim shoots for more than 50 Midwest fire departments including Chicago and Northbrook and was certified in the 1990s by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal to document fire scenes.

Olk supports the Northbrook Civic Foundation photographing Northbrook Days, where he has volunteered for festival operations since he was 12.

Northbrook Fire Chief Jose Torres and Tim Olk

Larry Shapiro photo

More photos can be seen at shapirophotography.net