Excerpts from wifr.com:
Funeral arrangements for a 54-year-old South Beloit firefighter have been released.
According to an obituary for Anthony Cellitti, a Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at the McCorkle Funeral Home, 767 North Blackhawk Blv., Rockton.
Since Cellitti’s death on Dec. 2, fire departments across northern Illinois have poured out their hearts for both his family and co-workers at the South Beloit fire station.
Excerpts from wrex.com:
The Dixon City Fire Department is celebrating 125 years of service to the community throughout October. The department was established as a paid department in 1898. It is the 3rd oldest in the state of Illinois, and they transitioned to their current building in 2006, leaving behind the original, which had been in operation for 100 years.
Although the department has grown greatly since its establishment and original three staff members, they still face challenges experienced by others as well, saying that staffing concerns remain ongoing.
“Recruitment and retention, that’s not just an issue in the public sector, it’s an issue in the private sector. It seems here in Dixon that it’s kind of a rollercoaster, good years, bad years. Right now, we’ve already exhausted our list,” Deputy Fire Chief, Dave Lohse said. He has celebrated both the 100th and now 125th anniversaries with the department.
Ryan Buskohl is the Fire Chief for the Dixon City Fire Department. After spending 18 years on the job, he shares how one of the big changes in the department’s history influences how their job has come to be done daily.
“Going from the firefighters actually pulling carts themselves to transitioning to horses pulling steam engines and then now, you obviously look at what modern apparatuses looks like. Just huge changes,” Buskohl said.
To commemorate the anniversary, Dixon CityfFirefighters will be wearing special shirts throughout the month.
Excerpts from fox32chicago.com:
Chicago FD Lt. Kevin Ward was remembered Wednesday by his colleagues and family during a funeral ceremony that took place in the heart of Chicago, shutting down Michigan Avenue for several hours and giving the public a chance to share in the sorrow and take a beat to honor the respect and sacrifice of someone who died fighting a fire for the city.
Ward died after battling a house fire on the Northwest Side. He had been hospitalized for 17 days and was unable to breathe on his own. He died on Aug. 28th at 58 years old.
He was celebrated Wednesday for his many specialized careers and hobbies. He was a devoted public servant for 26 years.
There was a walking procession on Michigan Avenue Wednesday morning. The Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Corps led and fire engines followed. One of them was draped in purple and black bunting and carried the casket. Ward’s gear was positioned on the front of that engine.
New firefighters stood with flags in the streets, creating a corridor of honor for the procession. The bagpipe music filled Michigan Avenue as tourists and locals watched the casket, draped in the Chicago flag, moved inside Fourth Presbyterian Church with military precision.
Ward’s family spoke during the funeral service. His former wife talked about how he always had very physically demanding hobbies. He was a glass-blowing artist, a scuba diver, a rescue diver. He even played underwater hockey. Ward had a trained respiratory system for all these interests, but in the end, it was his breathing that ultimately failed him.
Walenda said that Ward loved the Gold Coast church where his funeral took place, saying he believed it represented community and it was what a Chicago church ought to be.
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From Chicago Fire Media @CFDMedia:
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 14, 2023
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 14, 2023
Firefighter Jermaine Pelt final journey to Lincoln cemetery pic.twitter.com/mP16qjf0Kr
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 14, 2023
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 14, 2023
From Chicago Fire Media @CFDMedia:
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 14, 2023
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 14, 2023
From Chicago Fire Media @CFDMedia:
At Ukrainian Cemetery. pic.twitter.com/1KNHrIkZjP
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 13, 2023
Lt EMT Jan Tchoryk at Ukrainian Cemetery pic.twitter.com/AB9sbhOZ97
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 13, 2023
Rest easy Firefighter Lieutenant Jan Tchoryk. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/ve54cm3kAZ
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) April 13, 2023
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From CFD Media on Twitter:
The Chicago Fire Dept paid it’s last respects to Fire Paramedic Aaron Buckley of Amb 51, who passed away unexpectedly on Jan 19, 2023. We ask that Chicago keep Aaron’s family (especially his wife & children) in your prayers. Aaron left us way too soon but we wish him Godspeed.
CFD Media photo
Kirkland Community Fire District FF/EMT Kenneth J. Clark
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