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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
IN REMEBERANCE OF THOSE FIREFIGHTERS AND CIVILIANS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE FIRE AT THE MICKELBERRY FOOD PRODUCTS COMPANY ON FEBRUARY 7, 1968
WHEREAS In the devastating fire and explosion on February 7, 1968 at the packing plant of Mickelberry’s Food Products Company, 801 West 49th Place, four members of the Chicago Fire Department and five civilians lost their lives and seventy nine persons were injured including eighteen firemen; and
WHEREAS the four deceased firemen were among seven who boarded Hook and Ladder Truck No. 18 of the 11th Battalion, 4th Division, in the firehouse at 5000 South Union Avenue on Wednesday evening to go to the fire, which brought out nearly 300 firemen and 50 pieces of equipment in response to a 5-11 alarm; and
WHEREAS Truck no. 18 and Engine Company No. 59 were the first to arrive at the scene. They had raised ladders to rescue employees trapped on the rooftop when a terrific explosion virtually leveled the building, scattering debris in all directions; and
WHEREAS Mickelberry’s President, Roy L. Laidley, died a hero as he rushed back into the burning building just before the explosion in an effort to rescue Thomas J. Mongan, the firm’s secretary, who was handicapped by a leg ailment; and
WHEREAS the four brave fireman did not die in vain. On the 50th anniversary of this event the residents of Cook County are ever grateful for their heroic bravery. Without thought of self these firemen chose their careers with full knowledge that their service might at any moment demand the supreme sacrifice to protect the lives of others; and
WHEREAS this tragic event served to impress all of us with a deeper appreciation of the valor of our local firefighters who are always prepared to face dangerous hazards to protect the citizens of our County; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County does hereby express our deep appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice made by Captain John J. Fischer, Firefighter First Class Thomas J. Collins, Firefighter First Class Edward Leifker and Firefighter Third Class Charles D. Bottger on February 7, 1968 in service to the Chicago Fire Department; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this text be spread upon the Official Proceedings of this Honorable Body so that this tragic event and the loss of these lives shall never be forgotten.
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