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Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois

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The next AFFI Podcast is now available. Steve Shetsky - Northern District Legislative Representative & Jeff Maher, Central District Legislative Representative talk about all things in the political arena and in Springfield.

https://soundcloud.com/user-550533997/affi-feb-12th/s-Ev2YAyujKX4

Cicero Firefighters Union Local 717 is looking for the assistance of fellow Union members in the formation of a Silver Spanner eligibility list of professional and qualified FF's/Paramedics, to fill in their roster on a temporary basis. AFFI Members can apply here: www.affi-iaff.org/committees/ems-privatization/silver-spanner-cicero-l717/

Congratulations to the Galesburg Firefighters Association for collecting the most donations for MDA Chicagoland and Northern Illinois in the entire state in 2020.

Cicero Firefighters Union Local 717 Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic Schaeffer responded to his first fire yesterday and ended up making a couple saves!

5 members from Alton Firefighters Local 1255 were given plaques today for helping save a baby who was in respiratory arrest last December. Congratulations on a job well done: Capt. Shewmaker, Capt. Evans, Eng. Price, Eng. P Campion and Eng. Jake Hartnett.

Photo: Alton IL Fire Department

SURVEY FOR AFFI MEMBERS: Please login after clicking the link to fill out the survey. https://www.affi-iaff.org/committees/secondary-employment/secondary-employment-survey/

If you didn't get a chance to see the last webinar with Professor Bruno from the Labor Education Program - University of Illinois, it has been posted on our website under Education in the Member Training Section.

https://www.affi-iaff.org/member-training/

Don't forget about the IAFF 8th District MDA Boot Camp on Tuesday, February 23rd. Members can find the meeting link here: https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/8th-district-boot-camp/

If you didn't get a chance to see the last webinar with Professor Bruno from the Labor Education Program - University of Illinois, it has been posted on our website under Education in the Member Training Section.

https://www.affi-iaff.org/member-training/

Who's ready for the next episode? It looks like the AFFI Legislative Team was with Layin’ Down The Law with Jerry Marzullo at the Chicago’s Bravest Stories Podcast studio recently. Luke Howieson AFFI Vice President at Large has the inside scoop and hopes for it to be ready by February 26th. *STAY TUNED*. Until then, make sure to check out our past episodes at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/affi-podcast/id1545578719

Joliet Officers Local 2369 & Joliet Firefighters Local 44 have been hard at work on their days off, volunteering their time to give COVID vaccines to local teachers.

https://patch.com/illinois/joliet/joliet-senior-citizens-get-moderna-vaccines-week

A family escaped unharmed from a house fire Tuesday night in Kewanee. #AFFIatWork Kewanee Firefighters Local 513

https://www.starcourier.com/story/news/2021/02/10/family-escapes-house-fire-kewanee/6705592002/

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our Director of Governmental Affiars, Tim Hunter from Joliet Firefighters Local 44.

More information about the closure of Glenview Prof. Firefighters Assoc. IAFF Local 4186 Station 13
"Please see this post for important information from our organization regarding the planned closure of Station 13. In addition, there are links below for those of who have been asking how to share your thoughts, feelings and opinions with Village of Glenview Trustees."

(info provided via village website)

James Patterson, President
jpatterson@glenview.il.us 847-904-4370

Mary Cooper, Trustee
mcooper@glenview.il.us 847-904-4370

Chuck Gitles, Trustee
cgitles@glenview.il.us 847-904-4370

John Hinkamp, Trustee
johnvillage@comcast.net 847-486-8540

Karim Khoja, Trustee
kkhoja@glenview.il.us 847-791-0572

Deborah Karton, Trustee
debbyvillage@comcast.net 847-441-5911

Michael Jenny, Trustee
mjenny@glenview.il.us 847-904-4508

Glenview Prof. Firefighters Assoc. IAFF Local 4186 Station 13 has been slated for closure. Due to a recent Village Board decision, the fire department is scheduled to reduce service through the elimination of an engine company. This will primarily affect the East Side, but all of Glenview, the Glenbrook Fire Protection District, and the Village of Golf will be impacted in many ways.

Recorded at the Chicago’s Bravest Stories Podcast studio, season 1 - episode 2 of the AFFI Podcast is out. Make sure to check it out along with episodes 1 & 1.5. Thanks to University of Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations - LER Professor Bruno, along with Layin’ Down The Law with Jerry Marzullo & Luke Howieson AFFI Vice President at Large.

You can find it here or on any major podcast platform
https://soundcloud.com/user-550533997/the-affi-podcast-professor-robert-bruno-with-the-university-of-illinois-labor-education-program

And don't miss Professor Bruno as he joins us this month for our Building Effective Unions Webinar
https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/educational-opportunity/

The AFFI is excited to offer another new educational opportunity to enhance your abilities in leading your Local Union. In partnership with the University of Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations - LER, Professor Bob Bruno will be presenting: “Building Effective Unions”
Members can register here: https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/educational-opportunity/

On this #WorldCancerDay the International Association of Fire Fighters encourages our members to protect themselves at the fire scene. Stay healthy. Sign the pledge https://www.iaff.org/news/fire-fighter-cancer-awareness-month-ends-with-a-pledge/?fbclid=IwAR0gcGsOYOIIKSGUIhfwAqar8oRDEmpWN0wcn7CsnOsHWv6pg1_kcHQEt6g

IAFF Convention Delegates, the ballots are being mailed out. Be sure to promptly fill them out and get them sent back as soon as possible. Let's finish strong.
Mahlon Mitchell
Markley 4 GST
Danny Fortuna for IAFF Eastern Region Trustee

Occupants escape unharmed after fire breaks out in Buffalo Grove home. #AFFIatWork ZBuffalo Grove Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local 3177
Photo: Daily Herald

https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20210201/occupants-escape-unharmed-after-fire-breaks-out-in-buffalo-grove-home

Members of the AFFI Legislative Team joined Speaker Welch's event last night.

The AFFI is excited to offer another new educational opportunity to enhance your abilities in leading your Local Union. In partnership with the University of Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations - LER, Professor Bob Bruno will be presenting: “Building Effective Unions”

Local officers can register here: https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/educational-opportunity/

Mike was a dedicated Secretary/Treasurer for Chicago Fire Department Firefighters Union - Local 2 for 20 plus years and a second generation Executive Board member. Congrtatulations.
IAFF 8th District #LeadershipAward

Peoria Firefighters Local 50 President Ryan Brady represented the IAFF 8th District on the Resolutions Committee for the #IAFFconvention.

Mahlon Mitchell has brought leadership and unity to one of the most politically diverse States of our union. We have no doubt that his leadership will strengthen the IAFF and assure that we continue to retain our standing as an international powerhouse of political activity and labor advocacy.

https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/endorsement-of-mahlon-mitchell-for-iaff-general-president/

City of Rockford Firefighters Local 413 President Chris Scrol represented the IAFF 8th District on the Credentials Committee for the #IAFFconvention.

The next episode of the AFFI Podcast is available. We had the pleasure of speaking with #AFFIendorsed candidate for IAFF General President Mahlon Mitchell. #IAFFconvention
Chicago’s Bravest Stories Podcast

https://soundcloud.com/user-550533997/the-affi-podcast-with-mahlon-mitchell-candidate-for-general-president-of-iaff?fbclid=IwAR1K970N1VPmqnJB2jBJqKePHj5HsFPk4fcJyMD2xBLT-UWxDAeWTjxX0sw

While the International Association of Fire Fighters Convention kicks off in 30 minutes, your local can still register up until 4:00 pm. Please reach out to Secretary/Treasurer Roate if you need assistance. #IAFFconvention

From the International Association of Fire Fighters

As a registered delegate or alternate for IAFF Convention you should have received a text message and an email from the IAFF with a link to be “Seated” at the Virtual Convention.

IMPORTANT:
You MUST follow the link you received on the 23rd to finalize your registration. You WILL NOT be able to participate in the event, nor will you receive a ballot for the officer elections if you are not “Seated” at the convention

From Firehouse.com - Here Are the Bernie Sanders Firefighting Memes You Need to See

https://www.firehouse.com/careers-education/news/21207046/here-are-the-bernie-sanders-firefighting-memes-you-need-to-see

Central District Legislative Representative Jeff Maher and President Chuck Sullivan provided an AFFI update to the retirees of the Illinois Association Of Retired Fire Fighters today during their quarterly meeting.

International Association of Fire Fighters staff members are getting ready for their first virtual convention. The 55th #IAFFConvention starts on Monday, January 25th. DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER. https://convention.iaff.org/credentials-and-registration/

Legislative Update
https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/legislative-update-lame-duck-session/

"We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now because I've been to the mountaintop... I've looked over and I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land."

Have questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine?
AFFI Members can access the COVID-19 Vaccine Roundtable on our website at: https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/covid-19-vaccine-roundtable/

January Is Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month
International Association of Fire Fighters #FFCancerMonth #FightFFCancer

This morning, the AFFI hosted it's quarterly Board Meeting virtually. The work on behalf of our members continues even during the pandemic. #AFFIatWork

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our Director of Health, Safety & Education, John Sergeant from Naperville Professional Firefighters.

January Is Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month
#FFCancerMonth #FightFFCancer

***FIRST DAY OF SESSION***
Congratulations to Steve Shetsky - Northern District Legislative Representative as he attended his first day of session after being elected to his position in June. Steve is a member of Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Firefighters IAFF Local 4224 and had previously served as our Director of Governmental Affairs.

ATTENTION MEMBERS: This program covers collective bargaining issues related to the vaccines and features Dr. Emily Landon, Executive Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control with the University of Chicago, Grace Pixton with the Scripps Research Institute, and our AFFI attorney Margaret Angelucci.
https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/covid-19-vaccine-roundtable/

January is Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month and the Illinois State Fire Marshal wants to remind departments that the State of Illinois Preliminary Exposure Reduction Training project is still available. This training is key to helping reduce the risk of exposure to firefighters from harmful carcinogens present due to today’s construction materials.
In 2020, 1,690 kits were distributed to 500 departments in Illinois. Join this growing list!
Visit the website below for more information and to receive your DECON buckets.
https://fsi.illinois.edu/decon/#!/index
#FFCancerMonth
#FightFFCancer

Candles are a fire hazard – use flameless candles to avoid a potential disaster. #IAFFsafetytips

Congratulations to AFFI President Sullivan on being elected Chairperson of the Illinois Firefighters Pension Investment Fund.

There is nothing more important than vehicle safety. Take the extra minutes needed to fully clear your windows of ice and snow. Make sure you get the snow off the top of your car; otherwise, you are putting your fellow drivers in danger. #IAFFsafetytips

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our Southern District Legislative Representative, Richard Martin from Murphysboro Firefighters Local 3042.

Check out the newest section of our website.

https://affi-iaff.org/honorguard

A fire hydrant buried in snow can mean the difference between losing a house/possessions or persons to a fire. #IAFFsafetytips

Be responsible this New Year’s Eve – make plans to get home safely before you go out. #IAFFSafetyTips

Champaign Firefighters Local 1260 has provided service information for Active Firefighter/Local 1260 Member Dominic Smith who passed away, along with his wife, from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Cornerstone Church
200 Half St
Woodland, IL 60974

Sunday, January 3
Visitation 4p-8p
Public Safety walkthrough at 7p
(Line up at 6:30p)

Monday January 4
Funeral 1p (visitation noon-1)
Uniformed Fire Personnel need to be in place at 12:45 for services

Our all new AFFI Podcast is now available on multiple platforms for you and your members to keep up to speed on a variety of AFFI topics through this venue. You can access our first podcast via our AFFI webpage: https://www.affi-iaff.org/radio-network/

By order of AFFI President Chuck Sullivan, the AFFI Honor Guard has been activated. Recognizing that this may be short notice, it is our hopes that you will all do whatever you can to help us honor Brother Truevillian, his family, and his Local - Chicago Fire Department Firefighters Union - Local 2

https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/honor-guard-activation/

Attention Local Officers: The 2021 Rates for the AFFI/NWFFT Insurance Program are in. They can be found here: https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/2021-rates-for-the-affi-nwfft-insurance-program/

When you hear the phrase "up on the rooftop" this time of year, one thing comes to mind. But there were no toys or reindeer when Peoria Firefighters Local 50 showed up to this call, it was all business. #AFFIatWork

Photo: Journal Star
https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2020/12/23/peoria-firefighters-rescue-workers-stranded-church-rooftop/4033522001/

Decatur Firefighters Local 505 crews respond to house fire on Christmas eve. #AFFIatWork

Photo: WCIA 3 News
https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/crews-respond-to-house-fire-on-christmas-eve/

Fire fighters and paramedics have sacrificed time with their families all year long to help protect their communities during the greatest health challenge of our lifetime. They will continue to serve on the frontlines this holiday season to protect you. Please do all you can to help keep them safe. Stay healthy and enjoy the holiday season.

Stock your trunk for the winter: sand, shovel, flashlight, flares, a portable jump starter, water and blankets are some of the items we recommend having on hand. #IAFFsafetytips

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to Mike Laureto AFFI Northern District Trustee from Berwyn Firefighters Local 506.

Never use a generator or propane-powered heater indoors! #IAFFsafetytips

Christmas is coming and what a better gift to you all than 60+ unedited minutes of conversation between President Sullivan, Luke Howieson AFFI Vice President at Large and Layin’ Down The Law with Jerry Marzullo. Episode 1 will be available soon. Stay tuned!

Christmas tree fires are some of the deadliest home fires that firefighters and paramedics respond to. If you bring a live tree
into your house, make sure to water it every day and do not leave the lights on when you are out of the house or asleep.
#IAFFSafetyTips

Attention Local Officers: The 2021 Rates for the AFFI/NWFFT Insurance Program are in. They can be found here: https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/2021-rates-for-the-affi-nwfft-insurance-program/

It’s time once again for the Annual Normal Firefighters IAFF Local 2442 Raffle. Tickets are $20 each and there is one winner on each of the 28 days in February 2021. Contact any Normal Firefighter or message them on Facebook to get your ticket.

Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket for our MDA Chicagoland and Northern Illinois fundraiser. We will be going live on our Facebook page today at 1:00 pm to draw the winner. See you soon.

Yesterday, President Sullivan & Steve Shetsky - Northern District Legislative Representative talked with Congressman Brad Schneider (IL10) and organized labor in Northern IL.

Alton Fire Department, along with Alton Police Department, responded to a single-vehicle rollover traffic crash Saturday afternoon. #AFFIatWork AAlton Firefighters Local 1255
Photo Credit: RRiverbender.com

https://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/alton-police-and-fire-department-working-serious-rollover-traffic-crash-on-the-berm-highway-46441.cfm

What a great write up by Granite City Brad Eavenson Ward 4 Alderman. The hard work of the members from Granite City Firefighters Local 253 does not go unnoticed. #AFFIatWork

Holidays can be hectic – cooking, people coming and going, decorations and wrapping – pets often go missing during this
time. If you have a particularly slippery one, keep them upstairs or behind a gate if you have a holiday party. Keep a collar – with
your updated information – on them at all times. #IAFFSafetyTips

Refinancing your mortgage is a way to lower your monthly payments, reduce your interest rate & more. When you refi with CrossCountry Mortgage, you save up to $2,198 with an exclusive lender credit for AFFI members! Get started today by visiting AFFIccmhomeloan.com
JM Lends - CrossCountry Mortgage

As firefighters and paramedics, we are trained to see the potential dangers behind the scenes as home fires increase
exponentially during the holiday season. A combination of live trees, fires, lights and candles can quickly turn into a recipe for disaster. #IAFFSafetyTips

Attention Local Officers: The 2021 Rates for the AFFI/NWFFT Insurance Program are in. They can be found here: https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/2021-rates-for-the-affi-nwfft-insurance-program/

ATTENTION Local Executive Board Members - Please click below to see an important message from AFFI Secretary/Treasurer Roate regarding the IAFF Convention.
https://www.affi-iaff.org/iaff/a-message-from-the-affi-secretary-treasurer/

Check out the Arlington Heights Firefighters L-3105 Toys for Tots Toy Drive. Contact Bill Casper for more info - wcasper@vah.com

Holidays can be hectic – cooking, people coming and going, decorations and wrapping – pets often go missing during this
time. If you have a particularly slippery one, keep them upstairs or behind a gate if you have a holiday party. Keep a collar – with
your updated information – on them at all times. #IAFFSafetyTips

Yesterday was the 36th Annual Public Sector Labor Relations Law Conference hosted by Chicago-Kent College of Law. AFFI President Sullivan joined Angela Fyans-Jimenez, Susan M. Matta, & Karl R. Ottosen during the Firefighters Forum.

Attention Local Officers: The 2021 Rates for the AFFI/NWFFT Insurance Program are in. They can be found here: https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/2021-rates-for-the-affi-nwfft-insurance-program/

Every year, candles cause more than 10,000 home fires. We recommend switching to LED candles to be safe. #IAFFSafetyTips

Congratulations to AFFI President Sullivan:
Gov. Pritzker Announces Nine Appointments to Illinois Boards, Funds, Counties and Commissions

Chuck Sullivan will serve on the permanent Board of Trustees for the Firefighters’ Pension Investment Fund. Since 1995, he has served as the Fire Captain of the City of Champaign Fire Department. In addition, he is the elected President of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois and previously served as the elected Central District Legislative Representative. He received his Bachelor of Science from Eastern Illinois University and his Associate Degree in Fire Science from Pike’s Peak Community College.

A firefighter is among four injured in an overnight house fire in Rock Island. #AFFIatWork Rock Island Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 26
Photo: KWQC TV6 News

It's 25 days to Christmas and US Safety Products is offering two spectacular offers for AFFI members. https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/25-days-until-christmas/

Today, you will see plenty of photos and stories online about this particular fire, but please take the time to read the story of the Firefighter from the Chicago Fire Department Firefighters Union - Local 2 below. #AFFIatWork

How Fireman Feels Carrying Out Victims
By Norman Glubo (Chicago American Newspaper)
What does a fireman think about as he goes about the grim task of recovering bodies from a burning school.
If he is a father himself his thoughts are probably the same as those of Richard Scheidt, who says:
“I thought of my own four children at home and all the times I could have been nicer to them.
“I thought about what I hope they will become some day.
“And I tried to put myself in the place of the parents of the children I was carrying out. I knew many of them were down in the street below the second floor classroom I was working in.
“I wondered how anyone could tell them that their children didn't escape.”
Pictured in Rescue
Scheidt, who was pictured carrying an unconscious boy from the Our Lady of the Angels School fire on page 1 of yesterday's CHICAGO AMERICAN, is typical of the 250 firemen who fought the blaze that claimed 90 lives Monday.
Scheidt is a 30-year-old veteran of seven years in the fire department. He lives with his wife Nancy and their three sons and a daughter in a six-room cottage at 1345 W. 97th st.
His $5,400-a-year salary, a little less than $104 a week, doesn't begin to compensate for the tremendous risks he takes. He drives a 1953 Chevrolet and never has been able to afford a vacation.
But there are other compensations besides money. Says the slim, balding six-footer.
“It's a good position in life, even if you are just a fireman.
“When I'm in my uniform I have the respect of the people. It's a nice feeling to know you're doing something people are grateful to you for.
“I've never heard an angry word about a fireman.”
Scheidt is a member of Rescue Squad 1, stationed at 209 N. Dearborn st.
On 'Dizzy Wagon'
Life on a rescue squad, nicknamed the “dizzy wagon” because its members are kept so busy, is the most hectic in the fire department.
There are only 13 squads to cover the entire city and each is manned by half a dozen young, vigorous volunteers.
Where an engine or a truck company may respond to an average of only one alarm each 24 hours, rescue squads are called out as often as 10 or 15 or even 20 times.
Monday started out as a typical day in the Scheidt household.
Up to 6 a.m., Scheidt had coffee and toast with his pretty brown-haired wife.
At 7 a.m. he and Nancy got the kids out of bed to kiss them goodby.
Richard, 8, is a third-grade pupil and Nancy, 6, is in first grade at St. Margaret of Scotland Parochial School. The others are Thomas, 4, and Timothy, who will be 2 years old the day after Christmas.
Scheidt drove to the Loop, parked his car across the street from the firehouse and reported in for 8 a.m. roll call.
Reports for Roll Call
Thirty-five minutes later the squad reported to a fire at 229 Hill st., got back to the station at 9:05 and was out again at 9:10 on an inhalator call at 55 W. Van Buren st.
Back in the station by 9:27 a.m. Scheidt and his buddies went through their regular Monday morning drill, testing their gas masks and cutting torches.
After lunch the day was quiet until 2:42 p.m. when the first alarm from the school came in.
Seated in an easy chair in his living room last night, his red-haired son Timothy in his lap, Scheidt recalled.
“We had no idea it was a school on fire. It was out of our territory and we didn't think much about it until the radio operator called all available ambulances and police wagons to the scene.
“Then we knew someone was trapped or injured. We thought it must be a factory. We get them all the time. It never occurred to us that a school could go like that.”
Call to Iowa Street
At exactly 3:09 p.m. the loudspeaker in the firehouse called for Squad 1 to proceed to 3800 Iowa st. Continued Scheidt.
“One of our guys who lives on the West Side told us it must be the Our Lady of the Angels School. But we tried to put it out of our minds And we still thought it must be a factory across the street, or something.”
As the red doors to the station swung open, Scheidt leaped to his post at the rear of the truck.
By the time the driver turned north into Dearborn street Scheidt had slipped on his rubber fire coat. As the truck rumbled across the bridge over the Chicago River, Scheidt yanked off his shoes, and pulled on his boots.
Squad 1 took Dearborn street to Chicago avenue, then headed west to Hamlin avenue. Recalls. Scheidt.
“It was a very clear day. It wasn't at all uncomfortable.”
Smoke from Window
As Scheidt's squad pulled up a block from the fire scene at about 3:18 p.m. the men saw smoke pouring from the school building. Says Scheidt: “I grabbed my ax and pike pole and ran after our captain, Harry Whedon, to the school.
“As we got close I saw flames still shooting out of the northwest windows on the second floor and I knew we were in for some rescue work.”
Scheidt recalls that it didn't look like much of a fire from the outside. He said:
“If it hadn't been for the children inside it probably wouldn't have been more than a box alarm with maybe half a dozen pieces of equipment.”
Scheidt's squad reported to Chief Fire Marshal Raymond Daley who ordered them to the second floor to get into the school rooms.
As Scheidt and his buddies climbed a stairway on the opposite side of the building from the flames, they found the corridor already crowded with firemen operating hose lines.
Trip After Trip
Entering the first classroom, Scheidt was greeted by a scene that turned an ordinary day into one he will never forget. Said Scheidt.
“There wasn't much sign of fire in the room at all. But the water was shin deep.
“Then up at the far end of the room I saw about a dozen children all huddled together. And the nun was lying over the children as if she was trying to protect them. Nobody was burned.
“They had all suffocated.”
Scheidt made trip after trip downstairs to carry the lifeless forms to waiting ambulances.
When everyone was removed from the first room, he said, his squad broke through the wall to the next room where they found about 20 bodies huddled near the windows. The youngsters had been asphyxiated before they could leap to safety.
When the second room was cleared, Scheidt's men moved on to a third room where they removed 20 more bodies. Said Scheidt: “You know, after a while on the fire department you think you have seen the worst.
“I worked on the Reliance Hotel fire when five firemen were killed. I was at the Barton Hotel fire on Skid Row when 29 men were killed.
“I was out at the “L” wreck at Wilson avenue a couple of years ago and I thought nothing could be worse.
“But I've never seen anything like that school fire. All those children up there and all those parents outside hoping and praying that their kids weren't in there.
“It wasn't like the usual crowd. There was no screaming or shouting. Everyone seemed to be in a state of shock. They couldn't even move.
“How did I feel? It's hard to put it into words. I was just numbed.”
Back to Station
When the last body was removed from the charred building, Scheidt's squad was sent back to its station where it logged in at 6:32 p.m.
At 7:50 p.m., the station record book shows, the squad was called to sweep water from a broken main in a store at 17 N. State st. But nobody remembers much about that.
An ex-Marine who followed three brothers on the fire department, Scheidt said he would be happy to see his three sons follow in his footsteps.
Said Scheidt: “It's a wonderful job. To me it is the greatest public service there is.”
“Echoes Nancy, her brown eyes gleaming.
“It's a good life. We'd be proud of them.”
http://www.olafire.com/FireSummary.asp

Attention Local Officers: The 2021 Rates for the AFFI/NWFFT Insurance Program are in. They can be found here: https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/2021-rates-for-the-affi-nwfft-insurance-program/