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 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
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
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
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
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
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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