Of interest … South Holland firefighters visit retired Chicago firefighter
Excerpts from chicagotribune.com:
Gordon Grand Pre has vivid memories of his first day as a Chicago firefighter in the 1950s. When he arrived at a burning three-story building, people were leaping from windows to escape the flames. He initially froze, but another firefighter gave him a reassuring pat on the back and said, “Keep moving, they’ll jump on you if you don’t.â€
Now 93, Grand Pre sometimes struggles with his memory, but that particular moment remains crystal clear in his mind.
Grand Pre lives at Arden Courts Memory Care Community in South Holland. Though he experiences occasional lapses, he still recalls his early days as a firefighter with striking clarity, as if it all happened yesterday.
Recently, the South Holland Fire Department visited him for a special “Hearts Desire†event, giving him a chance to relive some of the excitement from his 35-year career.
Although these firefighters were from the local department, their presence brought back powerful memories of his time on the job. For Grand Pre, it was more than just a visit—it was a heartfelt tribute to a life of service.
His wife remembers when her husband left for a week-long assignment during the Chicago riots of 1968. She packed a care package of soup, crackers, and candy bars. He carried the food in a sack tied to the end of a stick, like a hobo.
When the firefighters arrived, they greeted Grand Pre warmly and led him to the fire truck. They took him for a ride around the neighborhood, while his family stood nearby, smiling and clapping.
South Holland Fire Chief Brian Kolosh expressed how happy he was to be invited to make Grand Pre’s day special.
“Once you’re in the fire service, you’re always part of the fire family,†Kolosh said. “Whatever we can do as a department, we will do to make this moment unforgettable for him.â€
For Grand Pre, the visit was not just about nostalgia—it was a touching reminder of the respect and gratitude that still surrounds those who served. His story is a testament to courage, dedication, and the lasting bonds formed in the line of duty.
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