HR0599 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0599 LRB100 14392 MST 29173 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Elgin Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, On September 16, 1867, the Elgin Fire Department began with the organization of the Elgin Hook and Ladder Company, aptly named after the first apparatus; the first fire station was erected on North Spring Street near East Chicago Street; and

WHEREAS, On July 1, 1869, the Elgin Fire Department purchased a Silsby steam fire engine, later named after James T. Gifford; in October of 1870, the department assisted the Chicago Fire Department by sending the James T. Gifford steam fire engine by railroad flat car to assist with the Great Chicago Fire; the Elgin Fire Department continues to provide aid to neighboring communities; and

WHEREAS, In 1974, the Elgin Fire Department began providing advanced emergency medical care through the use of paramedic trained firefighters; and

WHEREAS, In 1987, the Elgin Fire Department museum was established in the Old Main Museum; in 1991 when Fire Station #5 was decommissioned, the Elgin Fire Department Museum was re-established at that facility; and

WHEREAS, As the City of Elgin has grown, the Elgin Fire Department has expanded its mission to include an "all hazards" approach to emergency response, operating from seven fire stations; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the 150th anniversary of the Elgin Fire Department, and we wish them many more years of success; and be it further

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