Excerpts from chicagotribune.com:
Gordon Grand Pre has vivid memories of his first days as a Chicago firefighter in the 1950s. When he arrived at a burning three-story building, people were leaping from windows to escape the flames. He initially froze, but another firefighter patted him on the back and said, “Keep moving, they’ll jump on you if you don’t.â€
Now 93, Grand Pre sometimes struggles with memory, but that particular moment remains crystal clear. He still recalls the rush, the heat, and the chaos of those early years. Though time has taken its toll, the fire service is forever etched in his heart.
Grand Pre lives at Arden Courts Memory Care Community in South Holland. While he experiences occasional lapses, his memories of being a firefighter are as sharp as ever. His wife often tells stories of how dedicated he was, even during the most challenging times.
Recently, the South Holland Fire Department visited him for a special “Hearts Desire†event. It was More than just a visit—it was a tribute to a man who once served with courage and honor.
The firefighters who came to see him weren’t just local heroes—they were part of a legacy that Grand Pre helped shape. As he sat in the fire truck and took a ride around the neighborhood, it was like stepping back in time. His family watched with pride, smiling and clapping as he relived the moments that defined his life.
South Holland Fire Chief Brian Kolosh shared how meaningful the visit was. “Once you’re in the fire service, you’re always part of the family,†he said. “We wanted to make this day unforgettable for Gordon. He gave so much to this community, and we owe it to him to show our gratitude.â€
His wife still remembers the time when Gordon left for a week-long assignment during the 1968 Chicago riots. She packed a care package—soup, crackers, and candy bars—and he carried it in a sack tied to a stick, like a hobo. That’s the kind of dedication that made him a true hero.
Even now, as he sits quietly in his memory care home, the fire service is never far from his thoughts. And for the South Holland Fire Department, making sure he feels appreciated is just the right thing to do.
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