Adventist GlenOaks Hospital honored local fallen firefighters and paramedics during a May 19 ceremony. Six departed members of four local fire departments were honored with individual bricks.
The event coincided with the 35th annual National Emergency Medical Services Week, which brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s front line. The following individuals were honored:
- Jeff Herrick, firefighter/paramedic, Bloomingdale Fire Protection District
- Lee Palamidis, firefighter/paramedic, Bloomingdale Fire Protection District
- Thomas Petges, firefighter/paramedic, Bloomingdale Fire Protection District
- Michael Puntillo, chief, Addison Fire Department
- Terry Sheridan, firefighter/paramedic, Glenside Fire Protection District
- Anthony Reynolds, firefighter/paramedic, Carol Stream Fire Protection District
The bricks are part of a walkway in the memorial area in the hospital’s Wellness Garden. The bricks have the firefighters’ name inscribed on them, their department, and the number of years they dedicated to that community.
“The staff at the hospital was delighted to arrange a memorial service as a tribute to the firefighters and paramedics,” said AGH EMS coordinator Billie Sweeney. “These were brave men that served the residents of our community.”
The memorial brick ceremony coincided with the 35th annual National Emergency Medical Services Week, which brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services.
“The firefighters and paramedics that serve our community are true heroes,” said AGH CEO Brinsley Lewis. “It is our duty to honor them not just today, not just this week but every day for the selfless services they provide.”
The ceremony ended with the traditional tolling of the bell, which is often done to recognize fallen firefighters. The tolling of the bell signifies the beginning and the end of a tour of duty. It is the bell that starts it out, and when the fire is out, and the alarm has come to an end, the bell rings three times, signaling the end of the call.
The EMS “Grill on the Hill” event immediately followed the ceremony, which was led by Dr. Joseph Shanahan.