HR0329 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0329 LRB097 11835 KXB 55156 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Chicago Firefighter Chris Reischl, who passed away from cancer on May 4, 2011; and

WHEREAS, He, along with fellow Firefighter Robert Mansfield, helped save a man from a burning structure early New Year's Day in 2010; in honor of their efforts, both men were recognized as recipients of the 2010 Firehouse Heroism awards; and

WHEREAS, The call came in to the fire department at approximately 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2010; arriving crews found the two-story building on North Milwaukee in Chicago with fire coming from the front and rear windows; the two firefighters made their way to the rear of the building where a police officer told them a man was trapped inside; and

WHEREAS, They entered the structure and were met by heavy smoke and zero visibility; once to the top, they were forced to work quickly as the fire continued to spread; to make things worse, Engine 91 encountered two frozen hydrants and was unable to get water to the fire; Firefighter Mansfield attempted to pry a stuck door open; his initial thought was that a dresser was blocking the door so he removed the hinges and kicked it in; and

WHEREAS, At that point, the door fell on top of the man on the other side; at that point the firefighters began to hear water spraying into the structure and they were able to move the man down to safety; the door may have shielded the man from the smoke; and

WHEREAS, Firefighter Chris Reischl showed true dedication and courage in the face of danger; we honor him for his bravery; and we honor his family in their time of loss; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Firefighter Chris Reischl and thank him posthumously for his service to the people of Chicago; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Firefighter Chris Reischl as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.