Palatine Honoring 2 Firefighters Killed In Line Of Duty In 1946

PALATINE, IL — From an article in the Oct. 2, 1946 edition of the Chicago Daily Tribune, "two volunteer firefighters from the Palatine Fire Department were fatally injured [on the prior day] in the line of duty while responding to a fire when their fire truck collided with a Chicago and Northwestern Railroad passenger train. The fire engine was destroyed in the collision, and the vehicle was dragged for nearly 100 feet."

The two firefighters — Leonard Nebel and Wesley Comfort, Jr. — died from their injuries. Nebel left behind a wife and five children. Comfort. Jr., was the son of the fire chief, was treated at Palatine Community Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 5.

The Palatine Fire Department will be hosting a memorial ceremony at 9 a.m. Tuesday, "to recognize the service and sacrifice" of the two firefighters. The event will be held at the Palatine Firefighters Memorial, N. Brockway and W. Slade Street, downtown Palatine.

According to organizers, the Palatine Fire Department Honor Guard will step off from Fire Station 85 at 39 E. Colfax St. at approximately 8:45 a.m. and march to the Palatine Firefighters Memorial.

The ceremony will begin with the arrival of the Honor Guard at approximately 9 a.m. and include a wreath presentation and ringing of the ceremonial fire bell. The ceremony is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.