Opinion: Annual Silent Parade Began As a Solemn Tribute to Those Killed by Fire

Submitted by Marsha Giesler, originally written by Giesler (DGFD) for a fire service publication.

We tell ourselves that Fire Prevention Week is really just the culmination of a year-long effort to prevent fires. In many communities this is so. For others this is the only time to shine up the vehicles, open the station doors to the public and haul out the display boards. How often during the organization of these events do we stop to remember the reasons we feel so strongly about preventing deaths caused by fires?

In all probability, not often enough. Many of those killed by fire are our own friends, relatives and fellow firefighters. In the midst of open houses, school programs and exciting demonstrations, we need to take the time to honor our comrades and the civilians who have lost their lives to fire.

On Friday evening, October 13, 1995 the Downers Grove Fire Department, along with four other communities, hosted the first Silent Parade and memorial service to honor the memory of fallen firefighters and civilians. This parade was to be different from others typically participated in by the fire service. No blaring sirens, no marching bands, no flag waving, high-spirited festivity. This was to be more solemn: a display of lights only, no sirens, in darkness, a tribute to those who were being remembered. The idea for the parade came from an article written by Chief James Gignac (Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin). Previously, as Chief of the Park Forest Fire Department in Illinois, he had helped to organize a silent parade. Chief Gignac later brought the parade and memorial service to Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

A Downers Grove deputy chief read about the idea and decided it would be the perfect culmination to the department’s Fire Prevention Week activities. Successful coordination of the event would take the cooperative efforts of several area departments. The idea was discussed with Chief Lanson Russell, Downers Grove; Chief Pat Kenny, Hinsdale; Chief Brian Leahy, Clarendon Hills; Chief Frank Trout, Westmont; and Chief Tom Freeman, Lisle-Woodridge. All were very interested in becoming a part of this multi-village project.

It was decided to route the parade down Maple Avenue, a main street which runs through the five contiguous villages. The parade was to stage in Hinsdale, the eastern most suburb, proceed westward through Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Downers Grove and finally Lisle. The parade would then make a loop in Lisle and return to Downers Grove. At the conclusion of the parade all vehicles and residents would be invited to return to the pavilion at Downers Grove’s Hummer Park. This was to be the site of the memorial service. Once the basic parade route and memorial site were arranged there were many other details to coordinate. How fast would the vehicles proceed? What time should it begin? Who would speak at the memorial service? And more ................

The efforts materialized to produce an evening that looked like this. Over 30 vehicles from departments as far away as Winfield and Aurora assembled in Hinsdale at 6:30 p.m. on a crisp fall Friday evening, October 13, 1995. Chiefs, engines, ambulances and antique pumpers began to queue for a spot in the lineup.

At 7:00 p.m. a Downers Grove engine led the parade with only emergency lights activated. A spotlight illuminated the American flag which was mounted above the engine. For miles, the vehicles proceeded through the towns. In Downers Grove announcement postcards had been mailed to residents and businesses along the parade route a week before the parade. This proved to be beneficial, as many residents lined the roadside holding flashlights as their tribute and a sign of remembrance. At a major intersection in Downers Grove crossed aerial ladders which supported another American flag, invited the parade to continue through its arches. Firefighters from participating towns stood along the route at attention.

No one could deny that this was an impressive sight. Upon their arrival at the pavilion, the firefighters and residents were assembled for the memorial service. The Downers Grove Fire Department Honor Guard posted colors, Downers Grove resident Al Roselieb played the Star Spangled Banner on the trumpet, and Chief Lanson Russell welcomed everyone in attendance. An inspiring message was given by Father James Nowak, Chaplain of the Westmont Fire Department, followed by the tribute and ringing of the bell that was presented by Chief Tom Freeman of the Lisle Woodridge Fire Protection District. As an appropriate closing to the service, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dickerman played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, Chaplain Melvin Scott gave the benediction, followed by the retiring of colors. All participants were invited to stay for coffee, cider and cookies as they reflected on the significance of their participation in the evening’s events.

The departments received many favorable comments about the parade and service. Residents from all participating communities requested that the event be repeated annually. The camaraderie of those gathering before and after the parade was a stark reminder of what it is all about to be a member of the fire service. How appropriate that this was the way we chose to remember those who were once among us.

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20th Annual Fire Department Silent Parade

Friday, Oct. 10, 2014

Maple Avenue

Beginning in Hinsdale at 7 p.m.