HR1299 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1299 LRB095 21437 KXB 50854 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Lake Villa Fire Department was established in 1933, but actually began in 1931 when men of the community American Legion got together and discussed the need for a fire department for the Lake Villa Township; and

WHEREAS, The men formed the Lake Villa Volunteer Firemen's Association with William Marks as president, Al Kapple as secretary, and D.R. Manzer as the treasurer; on July 3, 1931 a dance was held to raise money to buy equipment and membership cards for the Fire Protection area were also sold; and

WHEREAS, Three water cisterns were built to hold 10,000 gallons of water until equipment could be purchased; in 1933 the first fire truck, a Pirsch, was purchased for $5,300 and housed in a local garage; the first fire chief, Fred Hamlin, was made custodian of the siren and assumed responsibility to alert the other men in the event of a fire; and

WHEREAS, In 1934, a section of the new village hall was built for the fire equipment; in 1936, a fire protection district was created and the first trustees were appointed; and by 1940, with the growth of the area, new equipment and a new firehouse were obtained; and

WHEREAS, Many of the men went off to serve in World War II and Korea and resumed fire protection duties upon their return; during that time rapid growth covered the area and more equipment and manpower were needed; over the next several years the Lake Villa Rescue Squad and Underwater Recovery Team would be formed from the original idea of a fire department; and

WHEREAS, In 1983 the Lake Villa Fire Department celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open house; the 75th anniversary will be celebrated with a monument dedication ceremony and a dinner in honor of the Lake Villa Fire Department and its rich history; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the many men and women who have served with the Lake Villa Fire Department over the years and wish them the best as they continue to provide a safe environment for the community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Lake Villa Fire Department as a symbol of our respect.