Fallen Chicago Firefighters Remembered

By Rachelle Bowden in News on Sep 29, 2004 3:53PM

Prior to September 11, the nation's deadliest fire was a December 22, 1910 blaze at the Chicago Stockyards that killed 21 Chicago firefighters and the city's chief fire marshal. Right now all that exists to commemorate these firefighters is a plaque at City Hall.

Bill Cosgrove, a retired Chicago fireman, author, and technical advisor on the movie Backdraft, is raising money along with The Chicago Stockyards Fire Memorial Fund for a "memorial to the Fallen 21 as well as all Chicago Firefighters who gave their lives to protect the City."

The memorial will include an 8-foot-high bronze and aluminum sculpture. Also, there will be a "Wall of Honor" bearing the names of all the Chicago Fire Department firefighters and paramedics who have died in the line of duty. The memorial will be located right behind the original stone gate that leads into the Stockyards.

Crosgrove says they've raised $72,000 and need about another $49,000. The dedication is scheduled for December 22, the 94th anniversary of the Stockyards fire. Thanks, Ryan.