Archive for April 29th, 2016

4-Alarm fire in Lemont – 4/21/16 (more)

Excerpts from ABC7Chicago.com:

A disgruntled employee intentionally set a massive fire that destroyed a RoomPlace distribution center in southwest suburban Woodridge, federal investigators said Friday.

Ruben Ochoa Cruz, 20, of Joliet, is facing federal arson charges in connection with the blaze that caused around $70 million in damages last week. He had worked at the warehouse as a forklift operator for seven months.

The blaze broke out on April 21 at the RoomPlace’s main distribution center in the 2500-block of Internationale Parkway around 5 p.m. Firefighters said more than 700,000 square feet went up in flames, and more than 100 firefighters from 30 departments were called in to help. About 65 employees who were working at the time were able to escape unharmed, but the building was reduced to ash.

Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives (ATF) said that Cruz had an argument with management over his attendance the day the fire broke out. After returning to his duties, Cruz then allegedly lit a piece of packing slip on fire and dropped it from a forklift that had been raised high above the ground. Investigators said that Cruz has admitted to the crime.

“He was upset with management, with his supervisors, because he had just had a heated argument with them over vacation time. They were going to cut his vacation time because of days missed at work, and he was upset about that. And so he left that meeting and angrily went back to his station where he was working within the warehouse,” ATF spokesperson Tom Ahern said.

ATF investigators said they were able to identify Cruz because of a security card screener that put him in the area of the warehouse where the fire began.

Officials for The RoomPlace responded to the charges in a written statement: “We are deeply disturbed at the news one of our employees has been charged in connection with the fire that destroyed our main distribution center April 21st. We continue to cooperate with federal authorities as they search for more details around a cause and potential motive. In the meantime, we remain focused on rebuilding our warehouse and delivery infrastructure and supporting those employees displaced by the fire.”

Cruz is in the custody of U.S. Marshals and is being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center. If convicted on federal arson charges, he faces up to 20 years in prison. He could also face state charges.

Cruz is due in federal court on May 4.

thanks Dan

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New fire chief in Glen Ellyn

Excerpts from MySuburbanLife.com:

Chris Clark is the new chief of the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company. He was sworn in at the Glen Ellyn Village Board meeting April 25. Clark, who was first elected chief by his peers before being sworn in, is taking the reins from Jim Bodony, who had served as chief for the past three years.

“I thank you for your confidence and support,” Clark said, in addressing village officials. “But this day is not really about me. This day is about the volunteers … These are absolutely wonderful, dedicated people that want nothing more than to help their neighbors on their neighbors’ worst day.”

During the meeting, Bodony also was honored for his three years of service as fire chief. He first joined the company in 1972.

“Jim has been a great leader and has become a friend, and we’ve accomplished a lot of things over the last several years together,” Village President Alex Demos said. “It is with a bit of sadness, but also happiness – knowing that you get a bit of your time back, but you are going to stay on and continue to be a member of the volunteer department. I look forward to the continued relationship, and I wanted to express my personal gratitude and also the gratitude of this board for your service to the community.”

“The past village boards have been great in supporting the fire company and supporting our initiatives, and I think in the past three years we’ve made some great progress that benefits all of Glen Ellyn in the way that we’ve maintained the fire company and created a model so it can continue,” Bodony said.

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Bedford Park FD Snorkel featured as ornament

From : shopHallamark.com:

Bedford Park FD Snorkel featured for Hallmark ornament

1959 GMC® Fire Engine Fire Brigade Ornament With Lights

Keepsake Ornament –  Available July 9, 2016

$19.95
  • PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

    • All kids love a classic red fire truck, and this 1959 GMC® fire engine won’t disappoint. Lights and wheels turn on the ornament.
      • Christmas tree ornament.
      • Hallmark Gold Crown Exclusive.
      • 14th in the Fire Brigade series.
      • Magic Light.
      • Press button to see engine’s lights flash.
      • On ornament: BEDFORD PARK GMC V8 1959
      • Wheels turn.
      • Artist crafted.
      • Battery operated. Batteries included.
      • Pre-packaged for easy gift giving, preservation and storage.
      • 5.5″ W x 1.95″ H x 1.40″ D
    • General Motors Trademarks used under license to Hallmark Cards, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

thanks Steve

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New engine for Oswego

Production shots from the E-ONE web site showing the progress and completion of an engine for Oswego. (so 139895)

Fire engine being built by E-ONE

E-ONE photo

Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

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Fire engine being built by E-ONE

E-ONE photo

Fire engine being built by E-ONE

E-ONE photo

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