Posts Tagged Fire Buffs of Illinois

Fire service loses a good friend, Greg Melyon

From legacy.com:

Greg Melyon March 20 1962 to October 7 2020WHITING, IN – Gregory J. Melyon, 58 of Whiting, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2020. He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Donna (nee Klapak); loving brother of Dan (Ellen) Melyon and Mark (Gerardette) Melyon; dearest uncle to many nieces and nephews; dear brother-in-law of Paul “Otis” Klapak and Frank (late Janet) Lowry; and his best friend Guinness Melyon.

Private funeral services will be held, there is no visitation. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Greg Melyon was born on March 20, 1962 to Henry and Alice (Simala) Melyon and was a lifelong resident of the Calumet Region. He was a graduate of Bishop Noll Institute, Class of 1980 and was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting. Greg was a 2nd generation firefighter and began his career with the Gary, Indiana Fire Department. He was one of a dozen firefighters in the city chosen to form Squad 2, a flying manpower squad, running to literally hundreds of emergency calls a year. Squad 2 would become one of the busiest heavy rescue squads in the country and its members, some of the most skilled firefighters in the industry. When our country was attacked on September 11, 2001, he responded with a group of fellow firefighters to New York City to support the efforts of the FDNY. Greg came up through the ranks, holding many positions, and retired as Chief of Operations from the City of Gary with 27 years of dedicated service. After retiring from Gary, he became a training instructor at the BP Whiting Refinery, where he continued to share his incredible knowledge of safety and emergency response. Greg was a member of the IAFF Local 359, the 5-11 Club of Chicago, the Fire Buffs of Illinois and was a founding member of the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago. He enjoyed photographing fire apparatus and collecting fire apparatus pictures, memorabilia, and die-cast emergency vehicles. Greg was an avid traveler and connoisseur of local cuisine. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago, 5218 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60609. (219) 659-4400

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Fire Muster and Flea Market in Chicago (more)

Photos from Steve Redick showing some of the highlights from the Fire Muster and Flea Market in Chicago

2019 Fire Muster and Flea Market in Chicago

Steve Redick photo

2019 Fire Muster and Flea Market in Chicago

Steve Redick photo

2019 Fire Muster and Flea Market in Chicago

Steve Redick photo

2019 Fire Muster and Flea Market in Chicago

Steve Redick photo

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Fire Muster and Flea Market in Chicago (more)

Some highlights of the Fire Muster and Flea Market in Chicago from Steve Redick

 

Click on this link and you will be taken to a website that will load a viewer with a 360 degree zoomable drone view of the muster.  This is very cool and worth your time!

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Fire Muster and Flea Market in Chicago

TOMORROW!!!

2019 Chicago Fire Muster and Swap Meet held at the Quinn Fire Academy

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Fire Muster and Flea Market in Chicago

2019 Chicago Fire Muster and Swap Meet held at the Quinn Fire Academy

click on the flyer to download a larger copy

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Annual Chicago Fire Engine Rally & Swap Meet

TODAY!!!

Annual Chicago Fire Engine Rally & Swap Meet

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Annual Chicago Fire Engine Rally & Swap Meet

Annual Chicago Fire Engine Rally & Swap Meet

click on the flyer for a larger, downloadable file

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Fire Muster and Flea Market in Chicago

click on the flyer to download a copy

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Fire service loses a good friend, George Reichhardt

George ReichardtGeorge C. Reichhardt,

It is with great sadness that we mention the loss of a friend. George Reichhardt served with the East Joliet Fire Protection District, retired as a captain with the Fermilab Fire Department, and was a lifelong fire service enthusiast. George spent many years documenting new and old apparatus from area fire departments with other photographers.

George C. Reichhardt 77, of Joliet, passed away Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Adventist GlenOaks Hospital, Glendale Heights. George was born in Joliet to the late Charles F. and Catherine M. (nee Briski) Reichhardt. Survived by his daughter Julie K. Reichhardt; a brother Donald J. (Barbara) Reichhardt and a sister Katherine Sheck; he is also survived by step-children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter Christina A. Bourg. George was a founding member of Fire Buffs of Illinois, he was a member of HOIFEC (Heart of Illinois Fire Enthusiasts and Collectors), SPAAMFAA (Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America), International Fire Photographers Association, Reichhardt Raiders, and Blitz Brothers. He was employed as a firefighter at the Army Ammunition Plant, East Joliet Fire Protection District, Fermilab, and Rockdale Fire Protection District. He was also a FAE Instructor and MABAS 15 Fire Photographer. His hobbies included photographing fire trucks, fires, trains, towboats, collecting fire memorabilia, and he really enjoyed riding Chicago Squad 3 in the early days. His publications include: Fire Apparatus Photo Album of the Ford Tilt Cabs – The Visiting Fireman, 1985 (Editor) and Darley Fire Apparatus – The Visiting Fireman, 1987 (Editor). George also received numerous awards and certificates throughout his career. The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Frances Rd, New Lenox on Thursday, January 18, 2018 from 2:00pm until time of services at 8:00pm. A fire department walk through will begin at 7PM.

 

Funeral arrangements for George Reichhardt

George Reichhardt Bell Ceremony

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Fire Muster and Flea Market in Chicago

Today!

Fire Muster and Flea Market in Chicago

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