Letter from The President

Fellow Members of FMGC and Friends of the Fire Service;

On May 1^st, 2010 the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago opened the new apparatus door for a quick peek at the progress being made to convert the original CFD Eng.123 Quarters into a safe and convenient refuge for fire service memorabilia. Approximately 500 guests viewed a miniscule display of our inventory and many contributed to our fund. The positive reactions were heartwarming to the board members who have worked so very hard on this project. Our benefactor and member of the FMGC advisory board, 14^th Ward Ald. Ed Burke, was visibly pleased with the ‘change’ he saw from the start of our venture.

Fr. Tom Mulcrone presented the Museum with the helmet of Msgr. Wm. Gorman. ‘Fr. Bill’ was the first and longest serving Chaplain of the CFD. A huge thanks to 4-1-1 for this treasure. Many more artifacts are coming out of the basements and attics now that we have a secure home. Keep ‘em coming!

The hose tower has been rehabbed by Basic Bros. and we are now ready for the ‘green’ roof so that the 2^nd floor can be worked into a safe area. BUT, it always takes the almighty $$$$ to finish these projects. So, remember the payroll deduction "CFD Charity Contribution Forms". This fundraiser will benefit all three charities; FMGC, 5-11Canteen, and the Chaplain’s ministry.

We will be holding a fund-raiser at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W 115^th St on Sunday, Sept. 26^th from 2 PM to 6 PM. Please mark your calendar (1E & EMS2). The $25 ticket includes beer, wine, pop, food and entertainment. See our flyer on the website.

I mentioned "Sweetpea" in the last newsletter and can’t let this one go out without honoring a great and loyal CFD Lady. She was a ‘firefighters woman’— married for 24 years to Tom Henderson, H&L 11, CFD 1932-1957, who died from injuries sustained from an accident when driving the 10^th Bn. Chief. They had moved to Lake Ivanhoe only four years after retiring. Sweetpea was the apple of Tom’s eye and even had the old Chicago Daily News run an ad for her expressing his love. The News sent the ad to the national press and it was picked up throughout the nation. We all loved her.

She sent Christmas cards to every firehouse in the city and if you were injured, on or off duty, and hospitalized, you also got a get-well card. They also had sons on the CFD. My Dad Ollie was a very good friend of the Henderson’s and I can remember visiting them with him, and later taking my kids and grandkids to Lake Ivanhoe to visit this "Grand Ol Sweetpea". She was like a second Mom. These are the memories we strive to lock into the history that is the CFD.

SO, Again - Come join up with the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago. And bring a friend on board too. Stay safe out there!!!!!

Bill Kugelman, President, FMGC