SALUTE TO THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF ENGINE CO. NO. 8
WHEREAS, On November 8, 2011 Chicago Fire Department Engine Company No. 8 will mark its 150th year of continuous and dedicated service to the citizens of this city; and
WHEREAS, Initially billeted in 1861 at 265 East 18th Street, Engine Co. Number 8 was initially brought to life in December of 1851. However, its members at that time were mostly sailors and could not be depended upon during navigation season; and
WHEREAS, It is certain that Engine Co. Number 8 saw service during the Great Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871 that covered an area of more than two thousand acres. Eighteen thousand buildings were destroyed. There were 200 to 300 fatalities and 100,000 Chicagoans lost their homes; and
WHEREAS, On October 7, 2011 during the week ofthe 140th Anniversary of that historic conflagration, dubbed Fire Prevention Week, the current members of Engine Co. No. 8 will be hosting a sesquicentennial celebration at their current fire station located at 212 West Cermak Road where it serves the Chinatown neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, This milestone event will also serve to honor the memory of an Engine Co. No. 8 firefighter, one of approximately 516 Chicago firemen who enlisted in the military during World War II and one of seven who made the supreme sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Daniel S. Solis, Alderman ofthe 25th Ward in which Engine Co. No. 8 is located, has apprised this august body of this historic event and auspicious occasion; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED That we, the Mayor and members ofthe City ofChicago City Council, gathered together this 28th Day of July, 2011 AD, do hereby salute the valiant firefighters ofthe Chicago Fire Department's Engine Co. No. 8, both past and present and commend them on their 150 year tradition of devoted vigilance that safeguards their district and the citizens that live therein.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That suitable copies of this resolution be prepared and presented to Captain Char...
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