Excerpts from DNAinfo.com:
The same day the Chicago Bears won Super Bowl XX, the city also lost Chicago Fire Lt. Edmond Coglianese.
Coglianese, 42, of Mount Greenwood, died while fighting a fire at the Mark Twain Hotel. He saved two elderly residents who were caught on the third floor of the residential hotel at 111 W. Division St. before he went back into the five-story building to search for more survivors, according to a Chicago Tribune report. The 12-year veteran was later trapped by flames and died of smoke inhalation on Jan. 26, 1986.
In all, 35 senior citizens were rescued from the burning hotel using ladders. Another 100 people came out of the building through stairways, according to a fire department report.
A bell-ringing ceremony was held at 8 a.m. Tuesday (1/26/16) at Coglianese’s firehouse — Engine Co. 98. The hardworking father left behind his wife, Eileen, and two children, Allyson and Matt.
Eileen Coglianese, is president of the Gold Badge Society. Among their most gut-wrenching duties is to arrive at the hospital and later at the homes of families who are mourning the sudden loss of a firefighter or paramedic who has died in the line of duty.
Their shared experience is meant to help ease the overwhelming emotional toll that is suddenly thrust upon the family. They also help with the finer details such as funeral arrangements, media requests and other issues that come along after such a tragedy.
thanks Dan
Tim Olk photo
Tim Olk photo
Tim Olk photo
Tim Olk photo
Tim Olk photo
