Posts Tagged Oglesby Fire Department

Oglesby Fire Department news

Excerpts from the newstrib.com:

They had hoped to surprise him Friday with cheering crowds and a procession of dozens of fire engines from across Illinois. But after a long fight with cancer, Oglesby Firefighter Evan Knoblauch passed away Wednesday evening. He was 20.

The program Friday now will be held as a tribute, according to Oglesby fire chief Ron Popurella and Bonnie Prokup at St. Bede Academy, lead organizer for “Evan’s Friday night” at St. Bede. Popurella said a fire truck parade still planned. A candle vigil will be held at 7:40 p.m. at St. Bede following a Mass.

Though not yet certified by the state — Popurella said getting Knoblauch certified posthumously would be a top priority — Knoblauch had completed his primary training with distinction, reporting for class directly after receiving cancer treatments and with no regard for his pain.

Knoblauch quickly earned the respect of his brother firefighters despite his short service. Popurella noted Knoblauch’s last call was to a car accident on June 30, the same day he divulged his prognosis was terminal.

Prior to earning his dress blues, Knoblauch had been a standout student-athlete at St. Bede, which had planned an exhibition flag-football game in Knoblauch’s honor.

Oglesby residents, meanwhile, have honored Knoblauch’s courage with red porch lights that have remained illuminated over the many months he juggled treatments with his city service.

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5-Alarm ++ fire in Peru (IL) – update

Tim Olk took a drive on Monday to visit the fire scene in Peru, IL. When he went down there, they were over 30 hours into the fire and had requested a 4th Alarm for tankers to the scene. Tim found fires still burning and producing large amounts of smoke throughout many areas of the complex. He took a large amount of photos during the time he was on-scene which will be online in the coming hours. Here are a few samples of what he found in Peru. Earlier coverage of the fire can be found HERE.

Massive fire in Peru IL Western Clock Company

A Pierce tower ladder from the Mendota Fire Department works an elevated master stream into one building in the Westclox complex in Peru, IL. Tim Olk photo

Massive fire in Peru IL Western Clock Company

Another Pierce tower ladder, this one belonging to the Peru Fire Department, works at an adjacent building. Tim Olk photo

Massive fire in Peru IL Western Clock Company

Firefighters direct a hand line into one of the buildings in an effort to extinguish some of the fire that still burns more than day after the fire broke out. Tim Olk photo

Massive fire in Peru IL Western Clock Company

A section of the former clock company that has been totally destroyed. Tim Olk photo

Massive fire in Peru IL Western Clock Company

An engine from LaSalle pumps water from the porta-tanks that are constantly refilled by one of the many tankers on the scene. Tim Olk photo

Massive fire in Peru IL Western Clock Company

A tanker from the Oglesby Fire District takes a turn at the porta-tanks. Tim Olk photo

Massive fire in Peru IL Western Clock Company

The water supply officer prepares to send this tanker from the Standard Fire Protection District to dump it's water. Tim Olk photo

Massive fire in Peru IL Western Clock Company

A Darley engine from the Dixon Rural Fire District pumps at the fire scene. Tim Olk photo

Massive fire in Peru IL Western Clock Company

Firefighters were kept at a distance during the height of the fire due to the intense heat and are just now able to move in and hit all of the remaining fires. Here they douse a dumpster in a loading dock area near several burned trailers. Tim Olk photo

Massive fire in Peru IL Western Clock Company

Well over a day after the initial fire was intentionally set, parts of the scene are still shrouded in thick smoke. Tim Olk photo

Massive fire in Peru, IL Western Clock Company

A Pierce Arrow engine from Peru pumps from another porta-tank set up in a different section of the complex. Tim Olk photo

Tim has a large gallery of images that can be found HERE.

 

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