Last Thursday marked the 13th anniversary of September 11.
As we paused from our normal routines to mourn all those who lost their lives, we also reflected on the startling acts of heroism shown by firefighters, police officers and paramedics. The outpouring of courage on the part of firefighters and relief workers that day served as a symbol of hope in such a dark, frightening time.
Every day, firefighters risk their lives to keep our families safe. Take a couple hours out of your day this fall to show your appreciation for these brave men and women.
1. Run a 5K with Glenview Firefighters
With the weather just starting to cool off, it’s the perfect time to grab your running shoes and your family and head over to Glenview for the 3rd Annual Firehouse 5K Charity Run. The race will take place Saturday, Sept. 21 and will wind around the beautiful, tree-lined paths of Gallery Park. Younger children can participate in a one-mile youth race beginning at 8:30 a.m. and runners of all ages can run a 5K at 9 a.m. Pre-registration prices are $20 for children 12 and under and $35 for adults, and registration the day-of costs $45. Proceeds benefit the Glenview Professional Firefighters Association and the charities they support. The Association has raised more than $130,000 for numerous organizations including Camp I Am Me, Muscular Dystrophy Association and Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook. Organizers are asking for volunteers to help with packet preparation, registration, water stations, food distribution and directing traffic. All volunteers will receive a free race T-shirt. Please contact 5k@glenviewfirefighters.org for more information.
Photo by Megan Floyd.
2. Educate Your Family on Fire Safety
This year, the week of October 5-11 is designated as National Fire Prevention Week. President Woodrow Wilson established the week in 1920 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and it has been observed on the national calendar every year since 1922. The theme of this year’s week is “Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month.” Many North Shore-area firehouses will be hosting open houses for children and families to stress the importance of fire safety. Glenview Fire Department will host an open house October 18 at Station 14, located at 2250 Patriot Blvd. Firefighters will give visitors a tour of the station, demonstrate a “jaws of life” rescue operation and teach children how to spray a fire hose. The Winnetka Fire Department will host an open house on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 428 Green Bay Road. Children and families will be allowed to take tours of the headquarters, sit inside public safety vehicles and learn about the various rigs, tools and apparatuses used in the firehouse. Northbrook Fire Department will host their open house on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 740 Dundee Road from 9 a.m. to noon. Click here for more information on fire prevention week.
Photo courtesy of Winnetka Fire Department.
3. Remember our Fallen Firefighters
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will honor all those who have lost their lives in the line of duty through the 4th annual Bells Across America program scheduled to take place on Sunday, Oct. 12. The NFFF is asking individuals across the country to contact their local churches, community organizations and fire departments to encourage participation in the ringing of bells for a moment of remembrance. Bells are historically significant to the profession because the tolling of bells once summoned firefighters to the station, signaled the beginning of a shift, notified them of a call for help, and indicated that a call had been completed. The tolling of bells across the country on October 12 will coincide with those rung at the NFFF memorial service in Emmitsburg, Md. More than 6,000 guests are expected to attend the memorial service, including members of Congress, dignitaries and family and friends of fallen firefighters. For more information on the Bells Across America program or to fill out a participation form, click here. Monetary donations are being accepted through the NFFF website.
Photo courtesy of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
