HR0599 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0599 LRB101 15331 MST 64523 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the DeKalb Fire Department on the 150th anniversary of its founding and recognize its years of service to the local community and its ongoing commitment to the safety of the citizens of DeKalb; and

WHEREAS, The DeKalb Fire Department was founded in 1869 in response to the growing population and industry within the City of DeKalb requiring organized fire protection; and

WHEREAS, Hook & Ladder Company 1 was organized in 1870 and staffed by volunteer firefighters; the first Hose Company was organized in 1874, with a second Hose Company added 10 years later; and

WHEREAS, William Miller was named the first fire chief and led the department for 36 years; and

WHEREAS, In 1904, the City of DeKalb established a paid fire department and disbanded the volunteer fire companies; the first paid firefighters were Hans Erickson, James Klock, Mike McEvoy, and Charles Burr; and

WHEREAS, Today, the DeKalb Fire Department consists of 54 personnel led by Fire Chief Jeff McMaster, the 19th chief of the department; and

WHEREAS, The DeKalb Fire Department provides all hazards response to the community through fire prevention, fighting fires, paramedic level emergency medical service, hazardous materials response, technical rescue response, and any other type of emergency response requested of the department; and

WHEREAS, The DeKalb Fire Department is committed to providing the highest level of service to the citizens of DeKalb and those who visit; and

WHEREAS, The DeKalb Fire Department strives to continuously seek innovative and effective ways to protect the lives and property of those they serve through suppression, emergency medical services, education, prevention, and training; and

WHEREAS, The DeKalb Firefighters of today embody and honor the department's tradition of dedication and commitment to the local community through their professionalism and courageous work; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the DeKalb Fire Department on the 150th anniversary of its founding, recognize its tradition of bravery and dedication, and wish it many more successful years; and be it further

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