Archive for September 14th, 2020

Of interest … Firefighter Matt Thuma

Excerpts from the nwherald.com:

Woodstock’s Matt Thuma has been a regular at the Crystal Lake Half Marathon since the 13.1-mile race became a staple of the running community. The 54-year-old Crystal Lake firefighter may not place among the top finishers, but that’s for a good reason.

Unlike other runners, Thuma, who got his start in long-distance races about 20 years ago, crosses the finish line wearing more than 42 pounds of gear: boots, a turnout coat and pants, gloves, a helmet and air tank. He tries to do three or four long-distance events a year, ran his 20th Crystal Lake Half Marathon Sunday morning. He’s done them all with his full PPE. 

Matt, who has been a firefighter/paramedic for 35 years, guesses that he has raced in about 50 marathons and other long-distance events since the start of 2000, both in and out of gear. The 2000 Chicago Marathon was the first in gear .

He first ran in full gear to bring awareness to the heightened risk of firefighters developing cancer in the line of duty. He has also run for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society. Any money raised for this year’s Crystal Lake Half Marathon will go to support The Break teen center in Crystal Lake. Matt’s final race before the COVID-19 pandemic halted most running events was in Honolulu where two other firefighters ran the race in full gear. 

Thuma said the support he gets from other runners and spectators is a big part of what keeps him going.

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Chicago Fire Department news

Excerpts from Chicago.cbslocal.com:

Gunfire early Sunday morning rocked a section of the West Rogers Park neighborhood that has long been known as a quiet place to live.

Liquor bottles and trash littered West Ridge Plaza on the west side of California Avenue where the debris supports what neighbors describe as a party – with some perhaps drinking shots and then firing shots. Around 6:30 a.m. Sunday gunfire startled neighbors including firefighters working at Engine Company 71 at 6239 N. California Ave. Bullet holes and evidence markers were seen there.

Many say the area is not crime-ridden at all. But the Rogers Park (24th) District – which is bounded by the Howard Street and the Evanston boundary line on the north; Peterson, Elmdale, and Thorndale avenues on the south; Lake Michigan on the east; and Kedzie Avenue on the west – has been seeing some trouble with violent crime lately. The district has reported 31 shootings this year – up 72 percent compared to the same time a year ago.

Police said a 27-year-old woman driving through the crime scene at the time suffered a graze wound to the head. She drove herself a nearby hospital. But considering the amount of gunfire involved and the number of people nearby, it is fortunate that no one else was injured.

As Sunday night, no arrests had been made. Area Three detectives were investigating.

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Former Bridgeview fire engine for sale

Found at Facebook:

1946 Chevrolet Fire engine – $9,000
Listed 3 weeks ago in Bridgeview, IL
Exterior color: Red
Seller’s description
No pump. This is a parade vehicle. No rust, excellent condition. Garage kept for the last 50 years. Original owner Bridgeview Fire Department. Call Martin Vilimek
former Bridgeview FD 1946 Chevrolet Fire engine for sale

thanks Danny

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