SPRINGFIELD –– Secretary of State Jesse White honored three Illinois
firefighters who died in the line of duty last year during a
ceremony marking May 19 as Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial
Day.
The ceremony was held in front of the Firefighter Memorial
Statue located on the State Capitol grounds. The statue was
dedicated one year ago.
"We are here today to honor the courageous firefighters who
have lost their lives in the line of duty," said White. "It is
important that we pay tribute to them to let their families and
their fellow firefighters know how much we appreciate their
sacrifice.
"Last year we lost three heroes," added White. "We will
never forget them."
The three Illinois firefighters killed in the line of duty
last year were Ralph Loyd, Greenville Volunteer Fire Department,
Chief Arthur Tullis, LaGrange Park Fire Department, and Assistant
Chief Wayne Luecht, Northbrook Fire Department.
White said the Illinois Firefighter Memorial speaks volumes
for Illinoisans’ appreciation and respect for firefighters. The
statue was built through a fund generated through the sale of
Firefighter Memorial specialty license plates.
According to White, the funds generated from this point
forward will be dedicated to the upkeep of the Memorial as well
as a scholarship fund for the family members of firefighters
killed in the line of duty. The scholarship fund was created
through legislation (SB 1241) pushed by White and the Illinois
Firefighters Association this year. It was approved by the
General Assembly and is awaiting final approval from the
Governor.
"These firefighters gave their lives to protect their
community," White said. "The very least we can do in return is
honor their heroic deeds and help their families. We owe them
that much."
