Excerpts from the DailyHerald.com:
In 1970, Steve Zaccard, who grew up in the village, joined the Carpentersville Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter at 18 years old. Throughout the years, he moved up to full-time firefighter, then lieutenant and then captain. He fought raging fires, chased criminals, delivered a baby. He became close with several other firefighters and would often go camping with them on their days off.
On Saturday, Zaccard will reunite with former co-workers — and meet current firefighters — at the Carpentersville Fire Department’s 100th anniversary. A parade starting 10 a.m. at Tamarac Drive and Maple Avenue will travel to Fire Station No. 91 at 213 Spring St. Richard C. Paul, Carpentersville’s first fire chief, is the grand marshal, Fire Chief John Skillman said.
At the fire station, an open house and barbecue is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to the public.
Though officials have been able to track down several former full-time firefighters, Skillman said, they are still hoping to reach out to more, including any part-time or volunteer firefighters who worked in Carpentersville.
Additionally, activities for kids will be set up at the station, including a fire pole and a smoke trailer. Firefighters will give tours of the station, as well.
For Zaccard, the experience will be a chance to reminisce with some of his closest friends.
