Fire Prevention Week always takes place during the week of the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, Oct. 9.
This year Fire Prevention Week is officially Oct. 4 to 10.
For the past 14 years, our community has taken the opportunity to offer a tribute to those firefighters and civilians who have lost their lives to fire as we conclude Fire Prevention Week.
This year will mark the 15th anniversary of our Silent Parade.
In 1995, Downers Grove, with the support of the neighboring communities of Hinsdale, Westmont, Clarendon Hills and Lisle, began the tradition of a Silent Parade and memorial service to honor the memory of fallen firefighters and civilians.
This parade was to be different from others typically participated in by the fire service. No blaring sirens, no marching bands, no flag waving or high-spirited festivity. This was to be more solemn — a display of lights only, no sirens, in darkness — a tribute to those who were being remembered.
The idea came from Chief James Gignac of Park Forest who organized his first Silent Parade in 1983.
The idea for this tribute was obviously conceived long before we witnessed the heroism and unquestioning dedication the firefighters demonstrated during 9/11.
Across the country, the public was filled with gratitude for the fire service. They were amazed and shaken by the sacrifices these professionals and their families made as they tried to help others.
Our public profusely thanked our local firefighters as well. It was as if our residents experienced a wake-up call, realizing that our local fire and police would do the same to help any of our families.
During the past eight years I have witnessed situations that have demonstrated how quickly a grateful public can forget. It is a blessing that time helps heal some of the vivid memories of the 9/11 tragedy. However, we should remember that on any given day, our local fire and police officers will still be ready to make that same sacrifice should they be called upon to do so.
While we move on with our lives, it is appropriate that we take this time to pay tribute to the firefighters who continue to train and stand ready to protect our communities.
This year, on Oct. 9, the 15th annual Silent Parade will begin its journey westbound on Maple Avenue from Hinsdale to Lisle. Crossed aerial ladders will provide an impressive bridge for the vehicles to pass under at Main Street and Maple Avenue in Downers Grove at about 7:15 p.m.
Typically, 30 or more vehicles from departments as far away as Aurora and Evanston participate in the parade.
Residents are encouraged to line Maple Avenue and light the way by holding flashlights and American flags in tribute to those who are being honored. A brief memorial service will begin at about 7:45 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1101 Kimberly Way, Lisle, upon the fire apparatus’ arrival. For anyone who has not attended either the parade or memorial in the past, I would strongly suggest that you make it a point to experience this unique tribute.
Don’t forget to attend this year’s Night at the Firehouse at the Downers Grove Fire Station 5, 6701 Main St., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 7.
Marsha Giesler is the public education officer for the Downers Grove Fire Department.
