File #: 18-1537    Version: 1 Name: 50th Anniversary of Tragic Mickelberry Fire
Type: Consent Calendar Resolution Status: Approved
File created: 1/8/2018 In control: Board of Commissioners
On agenda: 1/9/2018 Final action: 1/9/2018
Title: 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, scatterin...
Sponsors: JOHN P. DALEY, TONI PRECKWINKLE (President), LUIS ARROYO JR, RICHARD R. BOYKIN, JERRY BUTLER, DENNIS DEER, JOHN A. FRITCHEY, BRIDGET GAINER, JESÚS G. GARCÍA, GREGG GOSLIN, EDWARD M. MOODY, STANLEY MOORE, SEAN M. MORRISON, TIMOTHY O. SCHNEIDER, PETER N. SILVESTRI, DEBORAH SIMS, LARRY SUFFREDIN, JEFFREY R. TOBOLSKI

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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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