Excerpt from my personal account on DailyHerald.com:
"Your house is on fire!" That's what my neighbor said over the phone as my wife and I were heading to our car at O'Hare International Airport (January 17, 2016). My wife immediately became distressed, and I tried to reassure her, thinking it might just be a chimney fire. As we drove back home, our phones kept ringing nonstop with concerned messages, so we eventually had to switch them off just to focus on the journey. The drive to Lindenhurst felt endless.
As we approached our neighborhood, I could see a fire truck speeding down the road. I knew I had to hurry, and when we turned the corner, reality hit hard—our lives had changed forever. There were multiple fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances scattered across the street. Hoses were everywhere, and people were gathered, talking and helping. From a distance, I could see our belongings through the broken windows and the charred front door. The smell was unlike anything I'd ever encountered before—smoky, burnt, and overwhelming.
I walked cautiously toward the scene, greeted by familiar faces of neighbors and friends. But I had to get closer, so I pushed forward, only to encounter firefighters working tirelessly. It was close to 8 p.m., and the air was freezing. Ice and water covered everything, making it hard to move. I watched as teams of firefighters tried to access the flames, using tools like circular saws to cut through walls. At first, I didn't understand why they were damaging my home further, but later, I learned they were trying to control the fire from spreading.
A large fireman named Greg Phillips approached me. He was drenched in ice from the water. He apologized and explained the severity of the situation. He told me my home would be a total loss. His words were tough to hear, but his kindness stayed with me. As the hours passed, I watched these firefighters endure sub-zero temperatures, never leaving the site. By 2:30 a.m., the fire was finally extinguished. To reach the last embers, they had to cut open my living room floor and flood the basement.
As I thanked each firefighter, I noticed how frozen they were. Their coats were encrusted with ice, and they moved stiffly, like characters from "The Wizard of Oz." With temperatures dropping to 26 below zero, rolling the hoses became nearly impossible. They had to call a pickup truck to pile the frozen hoses in the best way possible.
By 2:30 a.m., the trucks began to shut down one by one. Each firefighter, exhausted, approached me to express their condolences. They asked about my daughter, who had been safe during the fire. These were complete strangers, yet they cared deeply about my family's well-being. This experience taught me that the Lake Villa Fire Protection District is staffed by volunteers. Many of them have regular jobs outside firefighting, and despite their dedication, they had to rush home to rest before returning to their daily routines the next morning.
I can't fully repay the neighbors and friends who supported us during this crisis. One neighbor, someone I barely knew, stayed with me in the bitter cold, ensuring I had blankets and jackets. Others donated clothes, money, and offered help in any way they could. The Lindenhurst Police Department guarded the remains of our home and kept curious onlookers away, checking on us regularly.
This story is a reminder that I took firefighters for granted. My kids loved seeing them in parades, but now I see them differently. They're volunteers who risk their lives to protect ours. They work tirelessly to save our homes, memories, and families. They ensure we feel safe at night and wake up peacefully in the morning. They are my heroes, and I want to honor them this weekend at Lake Villa Days, an annual event sponsored by the Lake Villa Firefighters Association. I'll thank every firefighter I can, especially Greg Phillips, for their incredible effort.
If you're at Lake Villa Days this weekend, please take a moment to thank a firefighter. They deserve more than a passing wave during a parade. They are extraordinary individuals who deserve our gratitude and respect.
They are our heroes… trust me.
Thanks,
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