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Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois

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/

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. #IAFFSafetyTips

AFFI President Sullivan, Steve Shetsky - Northern District Legislative Representative & District 1 VP Fortuna joined members from all over the state assisting the brothers and sisters from Schiller Park Firefighters Local 5230 get the word out to residents on a tax levy.

Homeownership can help you build wealth & have stable housing payments. Getting your loan from CrossCountry Mortgage provides another great benefit: an exclusive $2,198 lender credit for AFFI members! Get started today by calling 877.648.2334 or visiting AFFIccmhomeloan.com
JM Lends - CrossCountry Mortgage

If you could only choose 3, what would they be? Secretary/Treasurer Roate went with 9-14-13

Many of our members are away from their families today keeping communities safe. We hope they all have a safe shift and to everyone, Happy Thanksgiving from the AFFI Executive Board and Staff.

Using a turkey fryer? Make sure you know how to do it safely! #IAFFsafetytips

Stay alert while cooking this Thanksgiving to avoid a home fire. #IAFFsafetytips

President Sullivan has sent a letter to the Governor regarding COVD-19 vaccines. https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/letter-to-the-governor-covid-19/

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/

Be sure to follow along on all 3 platforms.
www.facebook.com/affi1935
www.instagram.com/affi1935
www.twitter.com/affi1935

Alright, lets do this again, T-Minus 12 minutes until the Combined District 2/3 meeting kicks off. We will be live tweeting at www.twitter.com/affi1935. We have a full morning ahead of us and we are ready to get to work.

ATTENTION MEMBERS: Please review the updated CDC Guidance and keep up to date on the AFFI COVID-19 Page.
( www.affi-iaff.org/covid19/ )

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/firefighter-EMS.html?fbclid=IwAR1es5z_HHvWpwp0xpjQnI0wOEdjSXBRNh9HFXjF2rEe7wYgC0FMAGC697M

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

COVID-19 hasn't stopped our Board from meeting with locals. Steve Shetsky - Northern District Legislative Representative , Luke Howieson AFFI Vice President at Large , District 4 VP Olson and President Sullivan met with Winfield Professional Fire Fighters Local 5024 to discuss their referendum.

Heat overcomes 2 Chicago firefighters during high-rise fire.
Chicago Fire Department Firefighters Union - Local 2

https://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/article/Heat-overcomes-2-Chicago-firefighters-during-15721915.php

Finding the right home loan or refinancing option for your personal goals is easy when you work with CrossCountry Mortgage. Plus you save up to $2,198 with an exclusive lender credit for AFFI members! Get started today by calling 877.648.2334 or visiting AFFIccmhomeloan.com
JM Lends - CrossCountry Mortgage

The Firefighters Pension Investment Fund (IFPIF) held a presentation today to over 125 members of the Illinois Government Financial Officers Association (IGFOA).

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our Director of Technical Services, Matt Campbell from Downers Grove Professional Firefighters Association.

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/

Be sure to follow along on all 3 platforms.
www.facebook.com/affi1935
www.instagram.com/affi1935
www.twitter.com/affi1935

Take an inside look how local firefighters train for rescues. Rock Island Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 26

https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/inside-look-how-local-firefighters-train-for-rescues/

Let's hear it for Blue Island Firefighters 3547 member McClement for rescuing this kitten yesterday at an apartment fire. #AFFIatWork #TYFYS

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed daily life as we know it, but frontline workers have not faltered in answering what is asked of them — to be first on the scene, no matter what the situation.

https://www.firehouse.com/safety-health/news/21161408/il-firefighter-support-group-sees-call-spike-in-pandemic

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/

Looking to buy a home or refi your mortgage? JM Lends - CrossCountry Mortgage will find a product that best fits your home financing goals, and you’ll receive a lender credit up to $2,198 towards closing costs. Get started now by visiting AFFIccmhomeloan.com

Streator Fire Fighters, Galesburg Firefighters Association, & Peoria Firefighters Local 50 members joined Dave Koehler for State Senate today in Pekin for Election Day.

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our Office Manager Sue Smith.

It's time to GOTV in Pekin for Dave Koehler for State Senate. Members from Galesburg Firefighters Association , Streator Fire Fighters & Peoria Firefighters Local 50 are hitting the streets.

A great turnout for #AFFIendorsed candidate Dave Koehler for State Senate today. President Sullivan & Central District Legislative Representative Maher joined members from Galesburg Firefighters Association , Streator Fire Fighters & Peoria Firefighters Local 50.

West Chicago Professional Fire Fighters Assocation - IAFF Local 3970 PEC members Zudis is hard at work in the Citizens for Karina Villa campaign today.

Naperville Professional Firefighters , Joliet Firefighters Local 44 , Bolingbrook Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 3005 , & Lockport Township Firefighters IAFF Local #1544 members are out today to GOTV for #AFFIendorsed candidate Meg Loughran Cappel For IL State Senate 49th.

PEC member Steker from Franklin Park Firefighters Local 1526 was out with #AFFIendorsed candidate Dan Ugaste yesterday during his GOTV efforts.

AFFI GOTV efforts are in full effect statewide. Members from Joliet Firefighters Local 44 , Naperville Professional Firefighters , Downers Grove Professional Firefighters Association , West Chicago Professional Fire Fighters Assocation - IAFF Local 3970 , Champaign Firefighters Local 1260 & Streator Fire Fighters our out in Naperville for #AFFIendorsed candidate Janet Yang Rohr - For IL State Representative, 41st District.

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our District 5 Vice President, Art Thompson from Barrington, IL Professional Firefighters Local 3481.

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/

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our Secretary-Treasurer Tom Roate from Springfield Fire Fighters Local 37.

Congratulations to Cicero Firefighters Union Local 717 on the ratification of a 10 year contract that will also bring fire based EMS to their community.

Day 2 of the AFFI Pension Seminar is underway. For those of you who would like to see another presentation by Ralph Martire, please check out this video. #PensionSeminar2020 #AFFIeducates
https://vimeo.com/472800609/cb6b56e903

Be sure to follow along on Twitter - www.twitter.com/affi1935 today as we live tweet the AFFI Pension Seminar. Over 300 have registered for our virtual event. We have a great lineup of presenters over the next two days. We kickoff at 1 pm. #AFFIeducates

The AFFI is proud to announce the endorsement of Jim Tracy For IAFF General President of the IAFF.

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to our President, Chuck Sullivan from Champaign Firefighters Local 1260.

Bensenville Professional Firefighters Association, Local 2968 was joined by brothers and sisters from Park Ridge Firefighters , Chicago Fire Department Firefighters Union - Local 2 , Berwyn Firefighters Local 506 , Franklin Park Firefighters Local 1526 , Elmhurst L3541, Oak Brook L4646, Skokie L3033, District 5 VP Thompson & Luke Howieson AFFI Vice President at Large. #helpbfpd2

Yesterday, members of Collinsville Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2625 were joined by President Sullivan and members of Springfield Fire Fighters Local 37 , Belleville Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 53 & Granite City Firefighters Local 253 to walk for Katie Stuart for State Representative. #AFFIendorsed

All hands on deck for #AFFIendorsed candidate Meg Loughran Cappel For IL State Senate 49th. Locals from Joliet Firefighters Local 44, Joliet Officers L2369, Bolingbrook Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 3005, Naperville Professional Firefighters, & Lockport Township Firefighters IAFF Local #1544 spent the day out and about to ensure a victory in the 49th Senate District.

Physical activity in the form of exercise can reduce breast cancer risk by as much as 10-20% #IAFFinPink

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to ............
US. 85 years ago, delegates met in Springfield and formed the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois . Oh and also to some guy from Streator Fire Fighters, we heard he turns 40 today.

Members were out over the weekend walking and talking to voters with #AFFIendorsed candidate Jeff Keicher for State Representative

If you are registered for the Pension Seminar, please read the update on our webpage: https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/update-pension-seminar/

Vote Maura for Illinois House District 49!
#AFFIendorsed VoteMaura

The AFFI is proud to stand with Mary for Illinois.
#AFFIendorsed

1 in 8 women will develop #breastcancer in their lifetime #IAFFinPink

Move up into a new home! Our members that work with CrossCountry Mortgage get a lender credit up to $2,198 towards closing costs. Get started now by calling 877.648.2334 or visiting AFFIccmhomeloan.com
JM Lends - CrossCountry Mortgage

Have the AFFI Pension Seminar delivered to you. We will host a hybrid event this year. #AFFIeducates
Registration info: https://www.affi-iaff.org/pension-seminar/

Do your part to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. #MaskUpIAFF

Downers Grove Professional Firefighters Association & Lombard Firefighters Union were joined by President Sullivan and Steve Shetsky - Northern District Legislative Representative as they walked precincts for #AFFIendorsed candidate TCHfor48

Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to AFFI Data Analyst Tony Peloso from Bolingbrook Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 3005.

Peoria Firefighters Local 50 once again showed their commitment to keep emergency response as intact as possible by negotiating a solution to keep the doors open on Station 20.

https://www.firehouse.com/stations/news/21158330/il-city-firefighters-union-agree-to-settlement-to-keep-station-open

The AFFI Labor History Committee proudly presents #ThrowbackThursday. Your weekly history lesson. #MakeHistoryHappen.

International Association of Fire Fighters
AFL-CIO
IAFF 8th District
Illinois State AFL-CIO

Downers Grove Professional Firefighters Association President and PEC member Scott Cavenaile joined #AFFI endorsed candidate Jeff Keicher for State Representative today to knock on doors and talk voters.

A study by a team of researchers led by a Texas A&M University professor has found that not wearing a face mask dramatically increases a person’s chances of being infected by the COVID-19 virus. Do your part. #MaskUpIAFF

President Sullivan joined Orland Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2754 today to support #AFFIendorsed candidate Diane Pappas for State Representative

Members can now register for the AFFI Labor and Politics in America Webinar
https://www.affi-iaff.org/news/affi-labor-and-politics-in-america-webinar/

Just like our SCBAs protect us at a fire, masks protect us from the COVID-19 virus. #MaskUpIAFF
Do your part to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. #MaskUpIAFF

Locals from Peoria Firefighters Local 50 & Galesburg Firefighters Association hit the streets over the weekend with #AFFIendorsed candidate Dave Koehler for State Senate.

Health experts say the evidence is clear that masks can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and that the more people wearing masks, the better. #MaskUpIAFF

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