Paige received a customized set of turnout gear this afternoon. Tim Olk photo
Firefighters from the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District and Chicago firefighters at O’Hare Airport teamed up to support the family of a Lincolnshire-Riverwoods (LRFPD) firefighter that went to Disney World in Orlando thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Paige Spicka is six years old and was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. She has endured multiple surgeries since birth. Today, from 10AM-NOON, LRFPD members, their families, and friends of the Spicka family attended a going away party at Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Station 53 complete with Disney movies, cake, an obstacle course, and a pinata.
Paige and her parents share a moment at the send off party. Tim Olk photo
Paige Spicka's wish came true today as she and her family went on a week's vacation to Disney World. Tim Olk photo
After the party at Station 53 was over, it was time to head to O’Hare Airport for the flight to Orlando. RED Center toned out an overhead dispatch for Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Engine 51 to respond to O’Hare Airport to deliver Paige and her family for their flight. They all strapped into Engine 51 for the trip which included a command car. Paige’s pink car seat was secured into the officer’s seat in the cab for the journey.
Paige exits the party and leads everyone into the apparatus bay for the obstacle course. Later she broke a pinata filled with candy for the long flight by swinging a short pike pole. Tim Olk photo
Paige settles comfortably into the officer's seat and communicates over the headset with her driver (her dad) so he knows that she's ready to go. Tim Olk photo
When Engine 51 got to Mannheim Road, they were met by 5-1-2 and Squad 7 for the trip to departures. Chicago firefighters presented paige with a CFD t-shirt and they escorted her into the terminal and to the gate. The personnel that came from Lincolnshire was escorted to the jetway on the field-side of the terminal and met the family there for a final send off.
CFD companies from O'Hare escort Engine 51 with paige on-board to the terminal for the flight to Orlando. Tim Olk photo
The Lincolnshire contingent followed CFD companies to the departure area. Tim Olk photo
Paige is greeted by the CFD firefighters who will escort her to the gate. Tim Olk photo
Paige shows off her new CFD t-shirt courtesy of the firefighters at O'Hare. Tim Olk photo
Thanks to Tim Olk for spending the better part of his day for such a worthy purpose. He has an extensive gallery HERE.
From the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection;
Today was a day of celebration. We celebrated a gift, a six year old gift named Paige Spicka. Paige was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, basically with half her heart. She has gone through more in her short time than most would in their lifetime. Paige was granted “her wish” to go to Disney World in Orlando Florida to meet Mickey Mouse and sleep in Cinderella’s castle through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Wisconsin Chapter. Paige was given a send off by her second family, the Lincolnshire Riverwoods Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 4224, Chief Fred Kruger and the Lincolnshire Riverwoods Fire Department. Paige was surrounded by friends and family and driven to O’Hare International Airport where she was met by our brothers of Chicago Fire Department Local 2 and escorted to the gate for her trip. The local would like to give our sincere thanks to Chief Kruger and staff, Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner John McNicholas (CFD), Deputy District Chief Jerry Knapp (CFD), Larry Langford (CFD), Karen Pride (Chicago Aviation), Tim Olk, and the crews from CFD E-10, HazMat 5-1-2, and Squad 7.
