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Archive for category Reader submission
Reader submission
Nov 19
Hello
My name is Adrian and I would like to share my gratitude to you. I’m from a small town called Edgecumbe, which is in the North Island of New Zealand. I served 30 years as a Fire-Fighter in the Edgecumbe Volunteer Fire Brigade and retired holding the rank of Deputy Chief Fire Officer.Whilst on holidays in the USA with my family we were visiting Chicago. While walking around the streets of Chicago, I/we were looking out for any Fire Houses. We came across Fire House – Engine 42. I was talking to one of the fire fighters and I asked him if there were any ceremonies with regards to 9/11. He said yes, that Engine 42 is the main place for that ceremony. He said that we were more than welcome to come along and watch.The next day we arrived early and we were watching the setup for the ceremony. I was wearing my Edgecumbe Fire Brigade shirt that has our logo on the front and Fire Rescue on the back. I was also wearing a FDNY cap.A CFD Officer came up to me and said that I was more than welcome to join in and stand with the members of the Chicago Fire Department. I was blown away by this opportunity to stand side by side with them all.Then another CFD Officer came up to me and said stay here, don’t walk away. When he returned, he had Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt to meet me. I do not remember the CDF Officers name but he did send a group photo via this mobile number xxx-2449I was absolutely overwhelmed and honored to have been part of this ceremony and meeting the Fire Commissioner.I would be happy for you to share my Memorial Tribute Photo if you wish to do so.Kind RegardsAdrian Anderson
This from Tyler Tobolt:
After lots of updating, I decided to resend this Chicagoland fire apparatus list. It consists of Divisions 1-27 (not including Chicago). This link automatically updates every 5 minutes.
As seen around … Roselle
Oct 4
From CFDMike:
Here’s a video of Roselle tower 64 going to an AFA
Hi all:
I found your blog while researching the history of an Evanston Fire Department vehicle that was probably sold in the early 1990s. The truck in question is shown in photographs here — — and here.
An online rundown of Evanston F.D. equipment here indicates this Truck 23 was used in reserve duty from 1982-1990. Presumably it was sold shortly afterward.I’m trying to determine the location of the second picture linked to above.So my question is whether anyone in your readership might know to whom the city of Evanston sold this vehicle.Weird question, I know. Thanks for your help.Dan BrekkeBerkeley, California
From Ryan Lee:
Does anyone going know what’s going on with engine 89’s house? Drove by yesterday and there was no one on duty.
Ryan Lee photo
This from Asher Heimermann:
I filmed the Air Sea Unit at this year’s Chicago Air & Water Show.
The video includes demonstrations held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Rescue boat, helicopter, swimmers, jet skis, zodiac boats, and a fireboat.
Also, I filmed CPD’s brand-new Bell helicopter.
Of interest … fundraiser
Aug 4
This from Evan Rude:
I came across this fundraiser for a walk that the stepson of Tom Bauer of the Des Plaines Fire Department who died suddenly back in 2021 the stepson Dylan Gieck is raising money for The All Clear Foundation and PB Abbate. One is for emergency personnel and the other is for PTSD of veterans. I knew Dylan when we were in high school and he is really passionate for this cause.
Tom Bauer was born May 29, 1980 just outside Chicago, Illinois. He was the loving husband of Kelly (nee Malohn) Bauer; devoted father of Mason Geick, Dylan Geick, Johnna Geick, and Ty Bauer; caring son of Leo and Mary Bauer; dear brother of Sheila (John) Bauer-Gatsos and Laura Bauer; fond son in law of Jill and Robert Malohn; brother in law of Robert Malohn and uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Tom served as an Infantryman in the U.S. Army from 1999 to 2003. During his service he achieved the rank of E-5 and various awards. He was primarily stationed at Schofield Barracks with 25th ID as an Airborne, Ranger tabbed, Sniper team leader. He served overseas in the Philippines and on other deployments before finishing his contract honorably and separating to pursue his dream of being a father. After a few years at home working in the fitness industry, he again felt called to serve. Upon completion of his schooling and training as an EMT and Paramedic, he entered the Fire Academy and graduated with distinguished honors. He immediately applied for a department in a more troubled community than his own so that he might have a greater impact. He received his first life-saving citation for the revival of a patient in an ambulance in 2014, going on the save and help many others over a long and difficult career. He became a fixture in both the department and the community. However, his lifelong service exacted a heavy toll. Tom struggled with untreated PTSD and burnout, losing this battle and passing on October 22nd, 2021.
This from Austin Lawler:
So I just happened to have this pop up in my YouTube feed, and thought some people might like it. It is a wet down to the extreme, but it also features some great eye candy. While not in the Chicagoland area, it is a pretty fun video.
A request from overseas …
May 23
Can anyone assist Karl?
Dear Sir,
We are planning a trip to Chicago with a group of firefighters from Austria in spring 2025, and of course, they like to visit the CFD on this tour.
So, I like to ask you, if a visit of the Fire Academy and stations is basically possible and if we could see a fire boat also?I am a retired Captain of a large Vol. Fire Dept. in the County of Munich, Germany and had 44 years of active duty there.
The group are also volunteer and professional firefighters from an area around Vienna and along the river Danube.We have already made a tour to New York City and the FDNY in 2023 togehter.
Thank you for any information in advance, I am looking forward to hearing from you,
yours sincerely,
Karl-Heinz Bitzer
85540 Haar
Tel: 089/464956
Mobil: 0176/26406302
