Chicago Firefighter Anthony Lockhart

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Memorial for Chicago Firefighters

Feb 13

Posted by Admin in Fire Department History | 3 Comments

Twenty-five years ago, Anthony Lockhart and Patrick King died in a four-alarm fire in the South Side neighborhood of Beverly.

On Sunday, friends and family remembered the two fallen heroes.

An auto repair shop caught fire in 1998. The building collapsed as the fire escalated quickly. Fire officials at the time said there was only substantial smoke coming out.

That was before it got much worse with flames bursting out. As crews escaped, they realized Lockhart and King never made it out. Their colleagues are now left with vivid memories of them.

A park on South Western was built and named after King and Lockhart.

It’s a memorial that people pass by every single day. Loved ones remember the two heroes every time they see it.

Lockhart’s family said they’re appreciative of the Chicago Fire Department for its commitment to never forget. And, King’s wife said it’s a loss that changed their family forever, but moments like Sunday’s in this community keep her going.

Tags: Beverly Tire Store fire in Chicago killed two firefighters, CFD FF patrick King and Anthony Lockhart, CFD firefighter Anthony Lockhart, CFD firefighter/paramedic Patrick King, Chicago Firefighter Anthony Lockhart, chicagoareafire.com, firefighter memorial in Chicago, Rev. Thomas Mulcrone chaplain of the Chicago Fire Department

Chicago to build fireman’s memorial park

Feb 14

Posted by bgshap in Fire Service News | Comments off

The following new release from the City of Chicago website was posted on November 17, 2010.

TIF approved for firemen’s memorial, community center

Mayor Richard M. Daley’s plan to use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to build a fireman’s memorial park in Beverly and a community recreational facility on the Near North Side were approved today by the Chicago City Council.

“TIF is the City’s most versatile and effective economic development tool,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley. “It is important that we continue to invest in our park infrastructure as these facilities play a significant role in the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

The memorial park will honor Chicago firefighters Anthony Lockhart and Patrick King, who were killed 12 years ago while extinguishing a blaze at a former car repair facility at 10611 S. Western Ave. The TIF assistance will pay for landscaping, fencing and a memorial for the fallen firefighters on the .6 acre site, which has remained vacant since the fire. Funds for the $675,000 acre project will be allocated from the Western Avenue/Rock Island TIF district. Preliminary designs include trees, grass, lighting, benches and walking paths surrounding a fireman-themed sculpture.

The community center will rise on the site of a former Chicago Housing Authority highrise at 410 W. Chicago Ave. To include a gymnasium, locker rooms, computer labs and a community meeting area, the $15 million facility will be operated by the Chicago Park District. The Near North TIF district will provide $5 million toward the construction cost with the remainder to be paid by the Jesse White Foundation, which would use the facility as a permanent home for the Jesse White Tumblers.

In a separate plan, Wilson Park, at 4630 N. Milwaukee Ave., will be allocated $500,000 from the Jefferson Park TIF District for assorted playground improvements, including a new play surface and climbing equipment.

TIF is a City of Chicago funding tool that’s used to promote infrastructure and other improvements as well as create jobs in designated districts across the city.

Thanks to Hank Sajovic for submitting this.

Tags: Chicago Fire Department, Chicago Firefighter Anthony Lockhart, Chicago Firefighter Patrick King, firefighter memorial, fireman's memorial park, LODD, Tax Increment Financing (TIF)