Excerpts from mystateline.com:
The Illinois State Fire Marshall awarded the Kirkland Community Fire Protection District with a grant for some small equipment last month. That is when the beans were spilled that it is Lieutenant Jim Suhr’s 50th year as a volunteer firefighter.
Suhr was born and raised in Kirkland. He knew that he wanted to be the one helping fight fires after seeing a large blaze as a child, becoming one of the first six original EMTs that started the ambulance service in Kirkland.
The Kirkland Community Fire Protection District and Illinois State Fire Marshal are now honoring him.
Illinois State Fire Marshal Public Information Officer JC Fultz presented Suhr with a plaque for his 50 years of service. Seventy percent of the Illinois Fire Service is volunteer, which is why Fultz believes it is important to celebrate and honor those who reach these milestones.
Kirkland Fire Chief Chad Connell has worked with Suhr for 23 years and hopes that he stays for as long as possible.
Suhr said that he loves being able to help his community and hopes to inspire others to become volunteer firefighters.
Suhr said that he will keep doing what he loves as long as he is healthy.
The Kirkland Community Fire District regrets to announce the passing of FF/EMT Kenneth J. Clark. The members of the Department wish to convey our deepest sympathy to Kenny’s family & join the entire community in mourning his departure. Ken was larger than life in every respect and his dedication to duty & service to his beloved Kirkland will never be forgotten. Arrangements are pending.
