Archive for August 18th, 2017

Chicago Fire Department news (more)

From dignity memorial.com:

Brian E. Murphy
February 26, 1957 – August 11, 2017

Brian E. Murphy ditched this popsicle stand on August 11 in the early morning, without having to watch another episode of Mr. Ed on MeTV, which bored him to death. His soul is free of an Alzheimer’s-wrecked body and he’s currently assumed to be gallivanting about the universe with partners in crime who preceded him in death, including his brother William Jr. and beloved Cubs announcer Harry Caray.

He was born in 1957 to Dorothy Murphy (Smith) and the late William J. Murphy. Brian attended Morgan Park High School where he met a motley-looking crew with whom he became lifelong friends. He was a Chicago Firefighter for 29 years, having retired in 2009. Brian loved telling everyone he ran into about his former occupation, not just because it often got him free stuff (like parking spots), but because he was genuinely proud of being a Chicago firefighter. He loved his Engine 5 family like brothers. On his “off-days”, he variously sold fire department t-shirts, pulled parade floats, and helped neighbors with odd-jobs. As an assistant Boy Scoutmaster for Troop 617, he attended week-long summer camps, led service projects, and was facetiously dubbed “Father Murphy” because he would often bust out with the song, “Alleluijah.” Brian was a community organizer and long-suffering South-Side Cubs fan, who was blessed to finally be able to see his beloved team go all the way.

Brian is survived by his wife and best friend, Carol (nee Deppe), his children Kathleen and Kevin, and “adopted son” Josh. Father-in-law to William Toms; he loved his knucklehead grandchildren, Billy and Christopher, with all his heart. His siblings include William Jr. (deceased), Madonna, Jeffrey (Virginia), Joy, Joseph (Rosemary), Timothy (Eileen) and Terrence (Diane). Brother-in-Law to Christine (Bob), Jim (Vicki) and John. Favorite uncle to Amy, Bill, Amanda, Kristin, Michael, Meghan, Sean, Jacqueline, Tom, Colleen, Dan the Man, TJ, Bubba, Juliana, Elisa, Theresa, Cara, Mike, Nick, Kristin and Rachel. He was a friend to all who met him.

Please join us for a celebration of a life well-lived and a hefting of a defiant middle finger to Alzheimer’s.

Memorial visitation, Friday, August 25, 3pm-8pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn. Memorial Mass, Saturday, August 26, 11am at St. Christina’s Church, 3342 W. 111th St., Chicago. Luncheon will follow. Cubs attire is strongly encouraged. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org) or the Ende, Menzer, Walsh & Quinn Retirees’, Widows’ and Children’s Assistance Fund (WidowsAndChildren.org).

thanks Dan

Tags: , , ,

Of interest … Kyle Schwarber visited Chicago Fire Department Engine 112

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

Kyle Schwarber visited Chicago Fire Department Engine 112 (3801 N. Damen Ave.) on Aug. 16, 2017. During the visit, Schwarber met with staff on duty and enjoyed a home-cooked lunch in the garage. He also delivered a new 65″ television and PlayStation to be used at the station.

the link contains a series of photos

thanks Dan

Tags:

New engine for Schaumburg (more)

Found this on the Pierce MFG Instagram page

Schaumburg FD Engine 51

Pierce Instagram

previous posts

thanks Dan

Tags: , , , ,

4-11 Alarm fire in Chicago, 1978

This from Steve Redick:

So I have finally started cleaning up some of my accumulation of fire stuff, now that I am an old retired guy. I came across my old home made recording of the 4-11 alarm at Z Frank Chevy, Granville and Western in 1978. I remember I was on my way to college classes and “took this in”. It was snowing like crazy. I took a few images and then had to continue to school. The Main FAO radio voices were Dan Evans and George Brown. I’m not sure who the chief was in the 27th. Enjoy the history

Steve

historic 4-11 alarm fire in Chicago

4-11 Alarm fire at Z-Frank Chevrolet at 6141 N. Western Avenue in 1978. Steve Redick photo

historic 4-11 alarm fire in Chicago

4-11 Alarm fire at Z-Frank Chevrolet at 6141 N. Western Avenue in 1978. Steve Redick photo

historic 4-11 alarm fire in Chicago

4-11 Alarm fire at Z-Frank Chevrolet at 6141 N. Western Avenue in 1978. Steve Redick photo

historic 4-11 alarm fire in Chicago

4-11 Alarm fire at Z-Frank Chevrolet at 6141 N. Western Avenue in 1978. Steve Redick photo

Tags: , , , ,