Kankakee County Honors Fallen Firefighters at Memorial Service

Community members and local officials gathered on March 15, 2024, to honor the bravery of fallen firefighters at the 44th Annual Kankakee County Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service. The ceremony took place at the Kankakee County Courthouse, where a stone memorial wall is dedicated to local first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The event began with a formal posting of colors, accompanied by the poignant sound of bagpipes. Attendees participated in the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an opening prayer. During his remarks, Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe reflected on the heroism exemplified during catastrophic events, citing the September 11 attacks as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by firefighters.

Rowe remarked on the courage displayed by first responders, saying, “These are men and women who don’t hesitate when the call comes, who put their lives on the line, not for glory, but out of duty.” He emphasized the profound impact of their sacrifices on families, stating, “The names on this wall bore all of that responsibility.”

Eight names are etched on the memorial, each representing a life lost in service:
– Firefighter Arthur A. Steirs, Kankakee Fire Department: Dec. 17, 1921
– Firefighter Lawrence M. Thornburg, Aroma Fire Department: March 21, 1958
– Firefighter Edwin Anderson, Aroma Fire Department: June 3, 1958
– Firefighter Robert E. Dabbs, Reddick Fire Department: Oct. 7, 1964
– Firefighter Michael D. Taylor, Otto Township Fire Department: April 16, 1982
– Firefighter Bruce F. Spaulding, Bourbonnais Fire Department: April 26, 2003
– Chief Matthew P. Hubly, Kankakee Township Fire Department: Feb. 7, 2008
– Lieutenant Frank W. Fouts, V, Kankakee City Fire Department: July 1, 2010

A wreath ceremony followed Rowe’s remarks, with family members of the fallen firefighters invited to place the wreath at the base of the memorial wall. Kankakee Fire Chief Brian LaRoche delivered a reading titled “The Fallen Firefighter” and read aloud the names of those honored, presenting flowers to their family members as a gesture of remembrance.

The ceremony concluded with a reading of “The Firefighter’s Prayer” by Bourbonnais Township Fire Protection District Firefighter/EMT Bill Haas, which is inscribed on the memorial wall. The bell speech, led by Bourbonnais Fire Protection District’s Battalion Chief Ken Gebhardt and Lieutenant Wyatt Gustafson, featured the ringing of the bell, a traditional tribute to honor the fallen. The somber atmosphere was further enhanced by the performance of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes, followed by the sound of taps on the trumpet, resonating across the courthouse lawn.

Rowe concluded by expressing gratitude to the families of the fallen firefighters, affirming, “We have not forgotten the sacrifice of your loved one. We have not forgotten your sacrifice and we pledge to never forget.” The memorial service served as a heartfelt reminder of the dedication and courage displayed by those who serve their communities, ensuring their memories will endure in the hearts of those they protected.