The Elgin Fire Department announced on May 4 that it will host the 34th Annual Elgin Area Firefighter Memorial Service on Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m. The event will take place at the Illinois Firefighter Memorial Plaza in George Van De Voorde Firefighter Memorial Park, located at 533 St. Charles Street in Elgin.
The memorial service is held each year to honor Illinois firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year, as well as active and retired members of participating departments who have passed away off duty. The event brings together the Elgin Fire Department and about 20 surrounding fire departments for this tribute.
According to the announcement, “The Illinois Firefighter Memorial Plaza serves as a lasting tribute to past, present and future firefighters from Elgin and neighboring communities.” The plaza commemorates all Illinois firefighters who have died in the line of duty and recognizes local firefighters who pass each year.
Elgin Fire Chief Robert Cagann will host the ceremony. Mayor David Kaptain is scheduled to deliver a proclamation during the event, while Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow will provide the keynote address. The service is open to the public and will be held outdoors; if there is inclement weather, it will move indoors to Calvary Baptist Church at 551 Arlington Avenue.
Street parking is available near George Van De Voorde Park, with additional parking across from the memorial at Garfield Elementary School, located at 420 May Street. For those unable to attend in person, organizers said that “the service will also be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube page and will be available for viewing afterward.” Further information can be obtained by contacting Maria Medrano with the Elgin Fire Department or by dialing 311 within Elgin.
The annual gathering continues its tradition of honoring fallen firefighters while providing an opportunity for community members and fellow first responders to pay their respects.
