Archive for December, 2010

Firefighters pay their respect to fallen CFD FF Corey Ankum – update

FireTruckBlog.com has compiled links to several videos taken at various times during the funeral and the funeral procession for fallen CFD FF Corey Ankum.

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Share their frustration?

A little off topic here, but Statter911.com has a 3 minute, cellphone video, of an FDNY Engine company trying to get through traffic behind a city transit bus that won’t move from their path.

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Firefighters pay their respect to fallen CFD FF Corey Ankum – update

Coverage for today’s funeral service for CFD FF Corey Ankum can found on several sites: Chicago Tribune, MyFoxChicago, ABC Chicago, NBC Chicago.

“Corey was a true defender in every sense of the word,” Daley said at the funeral for the fallen firefighter Thursday. ” He was devoted to protecting everyone. All the time, every time I spoke to him, the first thing he said: ‘I love the fire department.’. It wasn’t just a job for him, it was a way of life.”

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Chicago Still and Box Alarm 12-30

Karl Klotz took in a Still and Box Alarm fire this morning at 1315 S. Wabash in a commercial occupancy. He posted a few images HERE.

Chicago Fire Department Still and Box Alarm Wabash Avenue

Smoke escapes from the front windows of the Gastro Smokehouse Restaurant on Wabash Avenue this morning. Karl Klotz photo

Chicago Fire Department Still and Box Alarm Wabash Avenue Squad 1

Squad 1's Snorkel is parked near the Still and Box on Wabash. The fire was knocked down with hand lines and an interior attack. Karl Klotz photo

Chicago Fire Department Still and Box Alarm Wabash Avenue

Tower Ladder 5 was located in Sector 1 in the event that the fire extended to the upper floors. Karl Klotz photo

Chicago Fire Department Still and Box Alarm Wabash Avenue

Firefighters remove a ground ladder from the scene and return it to the truck. Karl Klotz photo

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Interoperability coming to DuPage County

The Daily Herald has an article today about a $28 million contract with Motorola to provide an interoperable emergency radio network.

County board member Pat O’Shea, chairman of the emergency telephone system board, said in a statement that establishing an interoperable communications system “is perhaps the most important project that has ever been undertaken in the history of DuPage County public safety.”

“This system will undoubtedly save lives,” …

… the interoperable system will allow “seamless communication” among police and fire departments that doesn’t exist now.

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Palatine Fire Department honors civilian lifesavers

The Daily Herald has an article today about three individuals at a health club that are credited with saving the life of another.

“We fully understand the great personal pride and satisfaction that comes from saving a life, usually that of a stranger,” Fire Chief Bob Falardeau said. “So whenever we come across an incident where members of the general public selflessly and courageously step up and act to save a life, we certainly want to recognize it and celebrate it.”

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Firefighters pay their respect to CFD FF Corey Ankum

Updated 10:30PM

The wake and visitation for Chicago Firefighter Corey Ankum, the second of two CFD firefighters killed as a result of the building collapse at 1744 E. 75th Street on December 22, 2010, is being held today at the Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester Avenue until 8PM this evening. The Chicago Tribune has a brief story HERE. MyFoxChicago has an article along with video HERE.

Tim Olk documented the wake and visitation this afternoon and has provided a few images with more to follow.

Chicago Fire Department fallen firefighter Corey Ankum

Members of the Chicago Police Department salute as firefighters carry the casket of Chicago FF Corey Ankum into the Apostolic Church of God this afternoon in preparation for the visitation. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Fire Department Firefighters Union Local 2

Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Thomas Ryan, president of the Chicago Fire Department Firefighters Union Local 2, addresses media questions today outside the Apostolic Church of God on south Dorchester Avenue. Tim Olk photo

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Firefighters pay their respect to CFD FF Edward Stringer – update

Chicago FF Edward Stringer was laid to rest today. He died as a result of injuries sustained when a building collapsed after a fire on December 22, 2010 at 1744 E. 75th Street. Today’s events began at the Blake Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn followed by a funeral mass at St. Rita of Cascia Chapel on South Western Avenue and then burial was at the Beverly Cemetery in Blue Island.

Tim Olk documented today’s events at the funeral home and then at the church. At the family’s request, photographers were not permitted inside the cemetery during the burial services.

Chicago Fire Department Funeral for FF Edward Stringer

Chicago Engine 63 where FF Stringer worked, was draped in bunting and adorned with his turnout gear at the funeral home this morning in preparation of carrying the casket to the church. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Fire Department Funeral for FF Edward Stringer

Several hundred Chicago firefighters are joined by firefighters from throughout Illinois and many others from across the country to honor FF Edward Stringer who succumbed to injuries that he received when a building collapsed last week on Chicago's south side. Firefighters from Engine Company 63, Stringer's unit, act as pallbearers to load the casket into the hosebed of the engine for the trip from the funeral home to the church. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Fire Department Funeral for FF Edward Stringer

Members of the Chicago Fire Department Pipes and Drums and the honor guard lead Engine 63 carrying the casket of FF Edward Stringer to the church for the funeral mass. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Fire Department Funeral for FF Edward Stringer

Engine 63 arrives at the church carrying the casket of fallen Chicago Firefighter Edward Stringer this afternoon as firefighters line both sides of the street. Members of Engine Company 63 march behind the engine carrying their fallen brother. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Fire Department Funeral for FF Edward Stringer

Members of Engine Company 63 remove the casket from the hosebed of the engine, and as pallbearers prepare to carry their fallen brother into the church. Tim Olk photo

Chicago Fire Department Funeral for FF Edward Stringer

A member of the Chicago Fire Department Honor Guard stands at Engine 63 with a flag of the 23rd Battalion alongside FF Edward Stringer's turnout gear. Tim Olk photo

Tim Olk has an extensive gallery of images which can be viewed HERE.

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Firefighters pay their respect to CFD FF Edward Stringer – update

The Chicago Tribune has an article HERE detailing the first series of events today of the funeral for fallen Chicago Firefighter Edward Stringer as the casket is taken from the funeral home to the church. HERE is their post from the funeral.

Chicago FF Edward Stringer funeral

Chicago Tribune/WGN News photo

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Carpentersville Firefighters Help Local Families

The Daily Herald has an article HERE about firefighters in Carpentersville who worked together to provide Christmas gifts for two low-income families in their district.

“To me, this Christmas, they are saviors,” said one of the mothers

“If it weren’t for them, my kids would not have gotten a Christmas, I’m very, very thankful.” the other said

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