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**From Daily Herald:**
Last Saturday night, Glenbard East High School in Lombard hosted a unique charity basketball game between the Illinois Fire Chiefs and celebrity sports legends. The event took place at their venue on 1014 S. Main Street, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the game starting promptly at 6:30 p.m.
Among the stars present were Glenbard East’s Athletic Director and former Chicago Bears player D’Wayne Bates, ex-Chicago Cubs player Chico Walker, some members of the Chicago Bliss, along with several local fire chiefs and firefighters. All proceeds from the game will be donated to the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association to fund firefighter scholarships.
Tickets for the event were priced at $15 each, while children six years and younger entered for free. Tickets could be purchased either by calling (630) 592-9646 or via Eventbrite. For those unable to attend but still wanting to contribute, donations to support firefighter scholarships can be made directly through the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association's website, www.illinoisfirechiefs.org, or by mailing a check to the Illinois Fire Chiefs Foundation at 205 E. Butterfield Rd., Suite 911, Elmhurst, IL 60126.
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**From Chicago Tribune:**
Firefighters are the unsung heroes who rush into danger when others flee, and no one understands this better than former Lemont Fire Chief Andy O'Donnell, who has dedicated 45 years to the fire service. Growing up in Chicago's South Shore, O'Donnell’s passion for firefighting began at just ten years old when a firefighter invited him into the local firehouse. From there, his journey led him from volunteering in Crestwood to working in Chicago's busiest firehouses for 34 years.
O'Donnell served at multiple locations, including Engine 16 at 46th & Cottage Grove and 40th & State. At one point, he commanded eighteen fire stations. His illustrious career concluded with roles at the Chicago Fire Department's academy and culminating as Chief in Lemont.
This past weekend, O'Donnell participated in a charity basketball game alongside sports celebrities and fans, raising funds for the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Scholarship program at Glenbard East High School. The initiative aims to provide financial assistance to firefighters across the state, whether they are full-time, part-time, or volunteers. Last year alone, the association awarded approximately $66,000 in grants.
O'Donnell emphasized, “Education empowers firefighters to serve their communities better. The smarter they are, the safer everyone becomes.†Beyond scholarships, O'Donnell is deeply invested in preserving firefighting history. He helped establish the Fire Museum of Greater Chicago, which began with just twelve men meeting at a kitchen table and now houses thousands of Chicago fire artifacts.
The museum, located in an old firehouse at 52nd and Western, features exhibits chronicling the history of the Chicago Fire Department, dating back to its inception in 1858. They are actively seeking donations of firefighting equipment, photographs, and memorabilia from both Chicago and surrounding departments. To contribute, visit www.FireMuseumOfGreaterChicago.org.
Reflecting on the sacrifices of firefighters, O'Donnell shared, “After 9/11, people often asked how firefighters could face such peril. It’s simple—we enjoy helping others, even if it means putting ourselves in harm’s way.â€
With efforts like these, the legacy of firefighting continues to inspire future generations, ensuring that the brave men and women who protect our lives receive the recognition and support they deserve.