Excerpts from chicagotribune.com:
Gordon Grand Pre has vivid memories of his first days as a firefighter in Chicago during the 1950s. When he arrived at a burning three-story building, people were leaping from windows to escape the flames. He was initially stunned 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 moment remains crystal clear. He still recalls the rush, the chaos, and the pressure of those early years.
Living at Arden Courts Memory Care Community in South Holland, Grand Pre experiences occasional lapses, but his memories of being a firefighter are as sharp as ever. His wife remembers when he 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.
Recently, the South Holland Fire Department visited him for a special "Hearts Desire" event. Though these firefighters were from the local department, their presence stirred deep nostalgia in Grand Pre, reminding him of his 35-year career on the job.
The visit was More than just a gesture—it was a heartfelt tribute. The firefighters greeted Grand Pre, led him to the firetruck, and gave him a ride around the neighborhood. His family stood nearby, smiling and clapping, clearly moved by the moment.
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 special for Gordon, not just for him, but for his family too.â€
For Grand Pre, the experience brought back the adrenaline, the camaraderie, and the sense of purpose that defined his life’s work. It was a reminder that even after all these years, the fire never truly left him.
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