Posts Tagged fire service photographer dies

Fire service loses a good friend, George Reichhardt

George ReichardtGeorge C. Reichhardt,

It is with great sadness that we mention the loss of a friend. George Reichhardt served with the East Joliet Fire Protection District, retired as a captain with the Fermilab Fire Department, and was a lifelong fire service enthusiast. George spent many years documenting new and old apparatus from area fire departments with other photographers.

George C. Reichhardt 77, of Joliet, passed away Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Adventist GlenOaks Hospital, Glendale Heights. George was born in Joliet to the late Charles F. and Catherine M. (nee Briski) Reichhardt. Survived by his daughter Julie K. Reichhardt; a brother Donald J. (Barbara) Reichhardt and a sister Katherine Sheck; he is also survived by step-children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter Christina A. Bourg. George was a founding member of Fire Buffs of Illinois, he was a member of HOIFEC (Heart of Illinois Fire Enthusiasts and Collectors), SPAAMFAA (Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America), International Fire Photographers Association, Reichhardt Raiders, and Blitz Brothers. He was employed as a firefighter at the Army Ammunition Plant, East Joliet Fire Protection District, Fermilab, and Rockdale Fire Protection District. He was also a FAE Instructor and MABAS 15 Fire Photographer. His hobbies included photographing fire trucks, fires, trains, towboats, collecting fire memorabilia, and he really enjoyed riding Chicago Squad 3 in the early days. His publications include: Fire Apparatus Photo Album of the Ford Tilt Cabs – The Visiting Fireman, 1985 (Editor) and Darley Fire Apparatus – The Visiting Fireman, 1987 (Editor). George also received numerous awards and certificates throughout his career. The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Frances Rd, New Lenox on Thursday, January 18, 2018 from 2:00pm until time of services at 8:00pm. A fire department walk through will begin at 7PM.

 

Funeral arrangements for George Reichhardt

George Reichhardt Bell Ceremony

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Fire service loses a good friend, Don Feipel

 

Don FeipelIt is with great sadness that we mention the loss of a friend. Don Feipel was a fire commissioner for the Mokena Fire Protection District and a lifelong fire service enthusiast. Don’s apparatus photos can be found throughout the internet, having been a frequent contributor to many sites that feature fire truck photos. During his retirement he could often be found visiting area fire departments with other photographers, documenting new and old apparatus alike.

Don passed away on Thursday, nine days shy of his 65th birthday. Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Road, New Lenox, IL 60451 on Tuesday, June 26th, 2012 from 3:00 to 9:00 PM. Funeral service, Wednesday, June 27th, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mesothelioma research would be appreciated.

 

Chicago area fire apparatus photographers

Don and friends pose for a group shot during a day of fire apparatus photography in the Chicago suburbs.

A memory book for leaving messages to Don’s family can be accessed HERE.

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