OFPD Commemorates Fallen Firefighters with Memorial
The Orland Fire Protection District joined local officials
including Cook County Commissioner Liz Gorman in commemorating the 4th
anniversary of the passing of Lt. Raymond C. Marquardt with the dedication of a
“Firefighter Remembrance Memorial” on Saturday Sept. 14.
The memorial was designed by Eagle Scout Candidate Kyle
LaHucik and placed under the American Flag at the northeast corner of the OFPD
Headquarters, 9790 W. 151st Street.
Fire Chief Ken Brucki welcomed attendees including members
of the Marquardt family, firefghters and Orland residents.
“On behalf of the Orland Fire Protection District I would
like to welcome you to this memorial. Tradition cuts to the core value of the
Fire District. Tradition is not just a word but a way of life,” Brucki said,
noting that LaHucik’s project coincided with the remembrance of Marquardt’s
passing four years earlier on Sept. 14, 2009.
“Kyle had a desire to honor firefighters who have fallen in
the line of duty. It is a fitting tribute to dedicate it this morning.”
Commissioner Gorman praised LaHucik who is pursuing his goal
of becoming an Eagle Scout and dedicating his efforts to the memory of fallen
firefighters.
“This is a wonderful project. We need a place to come to
remember, reflect and be solemn and this is a perfect place,” Gorman said.
Commander Edward Dunne, who served as the event emcee,
introduced LaHucik and also directed the Honor Guard which raised the American
Flag and placed a wreath at the memorial plaque.
“This memorial is to honor the late Lt. Raymond Marquardt
and every firefighter who has served,” LaHucik said.
“This memorial is dedicated to the devotion of the men and
women who have dedication, commitment, honor and bravery in their every
actions. … On and off the line of duty, these men and women standing around us
today, dedicated themselves to their duty to stop fires and save people from
fires,” LaHucik said.
“Each brick (around the memorial) represents the steps the
firefighters take to ensure everyone is safe. … Savings lives is not a job.
Preventing and extinguishing fires is not a task. Protecting our community is
not a burden for our firefighters. Their pride allows them to continue.”
Pastor Walter Legodar of Christ Lutheran Church offered an
invocation in honor of the attendees and the Marquardt family, who attend his
church.
Battalion Chief William Bonner Jr., offered remembrances of
the late Lt. Marquardt and his service to the fire district and the community.
“He made our lives better. He installed in his sons and
grandsons dedication to community service,” Bonner said.
Dunne offered closing words, noting, “The men and women of
today’s fire service are confronted by a more dangerous work environment than
ever before. We are forced to continually change our strategies and tactics to
accomplish our tasks,” Dunne said.
“Methods may change but our goals remain the same to save
lives and protect property, sometimes at a terrible cost.”
The commemoration ended with the sounding of the Fire Bell,
three rings, three times each to symbolize the passing of a firefighter.
Commander Edward Dunne, Cook County Commissioner Liz Gorman
and OFPD Fire Chief Ken Brucki
Members of Boy Scout Troop 725 join the OFPD Color Guard
Members of Troop 725, LaHucik on far right
Placing of the wreath
A wreath is placed next to the new Firefighter Remembrance Memorial
Ringing of the bell
Commissioner Liz Gorman, Eagle Scout candidate Kyle LaHucik and Chief Brucki
end
