Congratulations La Grange Fire Department Heroes

The 100 Club of Chicago is a nonprofit organization that provides for families of lost police and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty. The 100 Club also sponsors “Valor Awards” to area police and fire heroes who perform above the call of duty.

On April 19, 2018 five La Grange Firefighters became Valor Award Recipients during an awards ceremony at the Chicago Cultural Center. Congratulations go out to Captain David Rapp, Lieutenant Brian Cramer, Firefighter/Paramedics Alejandro Barajas, James Baum and Charles Crudele on being Valor Award Recipients. Captain Rapp's heartfelt acceptance speech about "community" was touching .

There were no officials from the Village of La Grange present. Receiving a 100 Club Valor Award is the highest civilian award a police officer and firefighter can receive. The Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department and the Director of the Illinois State Police among other dignitaries were in attendance to present their Valor Awards. La Grange Fire Department Valor Award recipients had to present the award to themselves. No Fire Chief, no Village Manager, no Assistant Village Manager, no Village President, no Village Trustees.

The firefighters "get it" when it comes to "community." Not sure if management and elected officials do.