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 an opportunity for the community and surrounding fire departments to honor Illinois firefighters who have died 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. According to the department, approximately 20 area fire departments are expected to participate.
The Illinois Firefighter Memorial Plaza serves as a tribute to firefighters from Elgin and neighboring communities, commemorating those who have lost their lives while serving. Each year, local firefighters who pass away are also recognized during this event.
Elgin Fire Chief Robert Cagann will host the service, which will include a proclamation from Mayor David Kaptain. Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
The event 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. Parking options include street parking or additional spaces across from the memorial at Garfield Elementary School, located at 420 May Street. The city also announced that a livestream of the ceremony will be available on its YouTube page for those unable to attend in person.
For more information about attending or viewing options for this year’s memorial service, residents can contact Maria Medrano with the Elgin Fire Department by calling 847-931-6175 or dialing 311 within Elgin.
