In the Line of Duty

This Wednesday, the 26th, marks the 30th anniversary of my uncle's (Dad's brother) death.  Uncle Jerry, who was just 26 years old, gave his life in the line of duty while fighting a fire.  I was three, about to turn four, and too young to really understand what had happened.  However, I do remember the grief surrounding that day.  Jerry was a 6 year paid-on-call volunteer on duty for the fire department and was one of the first firefighters on the scene that day.  He and another volunteer made their way into the burning restaurant to attempt to locate and extinguish the fire.  The smoke was so thick that the two couldn't find their way back out before running out of air.  The roof also collapsed and further prevented other firefighters from getting to them quickly.  I wish that event never took place that day and my uncle was still around to enjoy our large family, however I know that God has His own plans for each one of us.  We miss you, Uncle Jerry!

 This was the actual fire. Photo courtesy of the Illinois Digital Archives.

This was during the funeral procession...this fire engine was carrying the flowers. Photo courtesy of the Illinois Digital Archives.

This engine was carrying Uncle Jerry's casket. Photo courtesy of the Illinois Digital Archives.

A plaque in honor of Uncle Jerry.  Photo courtesy of the Illinois Digital Archives.

Firefighter monument in Springfield, IL.  Photo courtesy of my dad's cousin, Sharon.

Brick on the ground surrounding the monument. Photo courtesy of my dad's cousin, Sharon.

Uncle Jerry's grave site.