jH resolution
adopted by Tllg Qltlj GoUHCll
of** Gity of Qkicago, Illinois
presented by MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL Qn JANUARY 15, 2014
eteClS °n tne afternoon of June 24, 2013, the Chicago Fire Department received an urgent call for assistance regarding a fire in the 2400 block of South Central Park Avenue; and
WHEREAS, The fire began in a four-story apartment building and spread rapidly, endangering the lives of all of its occupants; and
WHEREAS, The fire spread so quickly that some residents did not have time to escape, became trapped, and stood in windows desperately awaiting rescue; and
WHEREAS, Truck 48 and Engine 38, first on the scene, found the fire burning intensely on the third and fourth floors, where three women were trapped, and one was preparing to jump from a window; and
WHEREAS, Firefighters from Truck 48 immediately raised a ladder to the window. Lieutenant Maurice W. Demus, Firefighter Edward Fern, and Firefighter/EMT Christopher R. Skanes deftly ascended the ladder, then Lieutenant Demus and Firefighter Fern climbed into the apartment; and
WHEREAS, The three firefighters then carefully helped the woman who was on the window ledge onto the ladder, and Firefighter/EMT Skanes brought her down to safety; and
WHEREAS, Firefighter/EMT Skanes then ascended the ladder again, climbed through the window into the burning building, and rejoined Lieutenant Demus and Firefighter Fern, helping them lead two more victims through the building to safety; and
WHEREAS, The three women and a child suffering from athsma, along with a firefighter who injured his hand, were taken to hospitals for treatment in the aftermath of this conflagration, and all are expected to recover completely; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to the determined efforts of the other firefighters on the scene, the fire, which was so ferocious that it burned through the roof, was brought under control, and it is expected that the building can be saved; and
WHEREAS, The scene of a fire is often hectic and fast-paced, and extraordinary physical action, quick thinking, and teamwork can make the difference between life and death. By relying on each other for support, and acting with exceptional competence and valor, Chicago's fire personnel undoubtedly saved lives that day; and
WHEREAS, The courage, discipline, and skill shown by Lieutenant Demus, Firefighter Fern and Firefighter/EMT Skanes are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Chicago Fire Department; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this fifteenth day of January, 2014, do hereby honor Lieutenant Maurice W. Demus, Firefighter Edward Fern and Firefighter/EMT Christopher R. Skanes of the Chicago Fire Department for their outstanding rescue; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to these members of the Chicago Fire Department, and placed on permanent record in their personnel files, as a token of our appreciation and esteem.
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL MAYOR
January 15,2014
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith a congratulatory resolution concerning the Chicago Police Department.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Mayor
Very truly yours,