Posts Tagged Tim Olk

As seen around … O’Hare Airport

Jan 16

Posted by Admin in Reader submission | No Comments

Unable to afford the cost of college, Henry “Mitch” Mayfield Jr. left Northern Illinois University after a year and joined the Army hoping to jump-start his future. Mayfield Jr., a 23-year-old Army specialist from Hazel Crest, and two other Americans, both contractors with the U.S. Department of Defense, were killed at Manda Bay Airfield by al-Shabab extremists, who claimed responsibility for the attack.

Mayfield Jr. attended Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills before enrolling at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. He spent one year at NIU studying business before running short on funding for his education and enlisting in the Army. His decision to join the Army in August 2017 at age 20 was informed both by a desire to build a better future for himself and a sense of duty to serve others.

He had been in Kenya since October, where he worked installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling systems. Before that, he was stationed at Fort Rucker in Alabama, where he served as an air traffic services mechanic with the 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group of the Army’s 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment.

Al-Shabab, based in neighboring Somalia, claimed responsibility for the assault, in which they overran a key military base used by U.S. counterterror forces, killing three and destroying several U.S. aircraft and vehicles. It was the al-Qaida-linked group’s first attack against U.S. forces in the East African country, and the military called the security situation fluid several hours after the assault, which also left five of the attackers dead.

The latest attack comes just over a week after an al-Shabab truck bomb in Somalia’s capital killed at least 79 people and U.S. airstrikes killed seven al-Shabab fighters in response. Last year, al-Shabab attacked a U.S. military base inside Somalia, Baledogle, that is used to launch drone strikes but reportedly failed to make their way inside. The extremist group also has carried out multiple attacks against Kenyan troops in the past in retaliation for Kenya sending troops to Somalia to fight it.

fallen soldier arrives at O'Hare Airport

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tags: Army Specialist Henry Mayfield Jr, fallen soldier arrives at O'Hare airport, honor guard receives casket at O'Hare Airport, Tim Olk

Technical rescue in Manteno, 1-8-20

Jan 10

Posted by Admin in Rescue scene photos, Technical Rescue | 1 Comment

From the Orland Fire Protection District Facebook page:

On January 8, 2020, the Blue CART Team was activated to assist Manteno Fire with a grain bin rescue. Orland responded with Engine 5, Squad 2, Chief 3, and our communications director. Shortly after arriving, it was determined this would be a body recovery. The incident site had multiple grain silos. The silo the victim was in was over 100 feet tall, with extremely limited access. Rescuers used Manteno’s 100-foot tower ladder that reached an access walkway which led to a ladder, then went up another 15 feet to the top of a silo. There was not a lot of room, and with the wind, the temperature was in the single digits. It was decided that they would take their time and rig a lower system since the victim was about 90 feet down the silo. Orland’s Technical Rescue Team members Lieutenant Schick and Lieutenant Girdick were the team to be lowered down into the silo to make the recovery. Though this was a recovery and every precaution was made, it was not any less dangerous, as there was still shifting product and limited visibility. This was an extremely tough rescue, and not any less dangerous than a live rescue. Our members performed professionally, safely, and with all the skills they have learned over the many years as technical rescue team members.

Chief 3 assisted in the command structure. Communications Director Bill Neumann flew our drone which was extremely helpful for command since the rescue was 110 feet in the air. Firefighter Tuburan (CART) assisted in the operations and Engineer Michael Meyrick worked in support of the operation. Once again a job well done by all involved in this tragic situation.

Fire Chief Mike Schofield

Tim Olk photo

Tags: Blue CART Team, Fire Chief Mike Schofield, grain bin rescue, Manteno Fire Protection District, Orland FPD Engine 5, Romeoville FD Engine 61, Superior medevac, Tim Olk, worker dies after falling into a grain bin

Box Alarm fire in Lincolnwood, 1-1-20 (more)

Jan 2

Posted by Admin in Apparatus on-scene, Fire Scene photos | 1 Comment

Photos from Tim Olk of the Box Alarm fire in Lincolnwood, 1-1-20

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tags: Chicago FD Squad 2A, chicagoareafire.com, fire scene photos, fire through the roof of a ranch house, house fire in Lincolnwood, Lincolnwood Fire Department, Tim Olk

East Joliet Fire Chief Robert Scholtes Funeral 12/30/2019

Dec 31

Posted by Admin in Fire Department Funeral, Fire Department News | No Comments

From Tim Olk:

East Joliet Fire Chief Robert Scholtes funeral 12/30/2019

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tags: East Joliet Fire Chief Robert Scholtes Funeral 12/30/2019, East Joliet Fire Protection District, fire department funeral, passing of Fire Chief Robert F Scholtes, Tim Olk

House fire in Wilmette, 12-17-19

Dec 28

Posted by Admin in Apparatus on-scene, Fire Department News, Fire Scene photos | 3 Comments

Photos from Tim Olk of Wilmette firefighters at the scene of a recent fire

Tim Olk photo

E-ONE tower ladder with lines off at fire

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tags: house fire in Wilmette, Tim Olk, Wilmette FD Tower 26, Wilmette Fire Chief Ben Wozney, Wilmette Fire Department

Working fire in Minooka, 12-16-19

Dec 25

Posted by Admin in Apparatus on-scene, Fire Scene photos | 1 Comment

Photos from Tim Olk of a fire 12/16/19 in Minooka

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tags: fire scene photos, fire trucks at fire scene, Minooka Fire Department, Minooka Fire Protection District, Tim Olk, Troy Fire Protection District, Troy FPD Tower 2229

3-Alarm fire in Bellwood, 12-8-19

Dec 9

Posted by Admin in Apparatus on-scene, Fire Scene photos | 5 Comments

Photos from Tim Olk, the fire was at 25th and St Charles

heavy smoke from commercial building fire

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Melrose Park FD E-ONE Bronto Sky-Lift at fire scene

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Firefighters raise ground ladder at fire scene

Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk photo

Tags: 3-alarm fire in Bellwood, Bellwood Fire Department, fire scene photos, heavy smoke at commercial building fire., Melrose Park FD Bronto Sky-Lift, Tim Olk

Funeral for Retired Downers Grove Lieutenant John D Schultz – December 7, 2019

Dec 8

Posted by Admin in Fire Department Funeral, Fire Department News | 2 Comments

John D. Schultz

September 15, 1970 ~ December 1, 2019 (age 49)

Obituary

John D. “Buddha” “Schultzy” Schultz Jr, age 49, of Geneva, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Delnor Hospital with his loving family by his side.

He was born September 15, 1970 in St. Charles, the son of John Sr. and Nancy (DeVries) Schultz.

John was a firefighter for Downers Grove and Geneva. He was an avid pro and college football fan. He loved history, Star Wars, and watching METV. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family and he will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his children Mia, Ian, and Owen; his children’s mother Becky (Niemiec) Schultz; sister Barbara (Tim) Estes of Bristol; and niece Lindsey Wojcik of Earlville; and many other dear relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Service; Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 11:00 am at Fox Valley Presbyterian Church.

Tim Olk photo

A GoFundMe has been set up to help John’s family cover the cost of funeral expenses.

Ret. Lt. John Schultz passed away at Delnor Hospital on Sunday, December 1st, leaving behind three children (a 14 year old daughter and 10 year old twin boys). John was only 49 years old and had been battling illness for many years. John’s family needs your help. Not only are they grieving the loss of their loving father, but they now share the financial hardship of laying John to rest.

John served as a Lieutenant for the Downers Grove Fire Department and was an active member with the Downers Grove Professional Firefighters Local 3234 from 2000-2013. John also served on the Union Executive Board, negotiations committee and was an Honor Guard member for the AFFI. During his time with Downers Grove, John was very accomplished in EMS and served as both the Designated Infection Control Offer and EMS Coordinator. He was passionate about the job and truly did everything he could to make the department better than when he started.

Prior to coming to Downers Grove, John worked for the Carol Stream Fire Protection District from 1994-2000, and served for 24 years with the Geneva Fire Department, which is where he started his fire service career. John was also an Instructor with the Downers Grove Fire Academy, Romeoville Fire Academy and previously taught at the College of DuPage.

Tags: Downers Grove FD Lieutenant John D Schultz, fire department funeral, GoFundMe campaign for firefighter's family, Tim Olk

Cary Fire Protection District news

Nov 22

Posted by Admin in Fire Department History | No Comments

From the Cary Fire Protection District:

The Cary Fire Protection District sadly announces the passing of retired Deputy Chief William “Bill” Gitzke. Bill, 76, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 15, 2019 surrounded by family.

He was born February 15, 1943 in his parents’ home on West Main Street in Cary.

His faith was of utmost importance to him. Bill was an active member of Cary’s St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, where he attended school and was an alter boy.

He attended Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin and went on to attend the electronics and technology program at DeVry University in Chicago. Bill was drafted into the United States Army in 1965 being stationed in Germany until he returned home in 1967.

After returning from the Army, Bill married the love of his life, Carol. Together they raised two children, a daughter, Shelly Van Anrooy and son William “Billy” Gitzke.

Bill owned and operated G Communications, where he installed and repaired communications systems for public safety agencies across Illinois. He was well known and respected throughout the county for his knowledge of communications equipment.

Bill followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a paid-on-call member of the Cary Fire Protection District in 1961. After completing firefighter and emergency medical technician training, he was promoted to lieutenant, then captain, then assistant chief, and finally deputy chief, the department’s second in command.

Being a firefighter was not just a career to him, it was a life long passion. Bill always went above and beyond the call of duty. After serving 51 years, Bill retired from the Cary Fire Protection District in February 2013, becoming the longest serving member in the department’s history. Bill’s love of the fire service continued to be a family tradition when his son Billy, became the third generation of Gitzke’s to serve the Cary Fire Protection District. Father and son worked side by side for 15 years.

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carol, daughter Shelly Van Anrooy, son William Gitzke, grandchildren Brenna and Chase Van Anrooy, Katelyn, Samantha, Grace, Billy, and Joey Gitzke, his sister Linda Verdung, and many relatives on both sides of the family.