The South Holland Fire Department is pleased again to sponsor The Parade of Lights, in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week (Oct.7-13, 2007).

The South Holland Fire Department will be joined by many other suburban fire departments in a "silent tribute" to fallen firefighters and citizens who have suffered a loss in fire emergencies.  Firefighting apparatus, including fire engines, fire aerial ladder trucks, squad cars, and ambulances will form a "lights only" parade that will wind through the streets of the South Holland.

The Parade of Lights has been attended by hundreds of residents in the past years. "This is a very quiet, reverent way we as fire departments can pay our respect to not only the fire fighters who have died due to fire, but also to the civilians as well." said Fire Dep. Chief James Olthoff. "Our residents have commented on how impressive and beautiful this parade is.  The way the emergency lights of the fire apparatus light up the night is really something to see," added Fire Chief James Wiley.   Last year about forty various firefighting apparatus participated in this parade.   This number continues to increase each year since the inception of the parade in 1996.

The Parade of Lights is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 9, 2007, and begins at 7:00 p.m., with a service for firefighters and the public at Thorncreek Reformed Church, 1875 E. 170th Street.  The parade will begin after the service starting from the church and wind through the streets of South Holland, ending at the South Holland Fire Department, 16230 Wausau Avenue.

Parade co-coordinators Lt./Paramedic Ron Kalkowski and Firefighter/Paramedic Scott Stegenga hope you plan on attending this special event. If you have any questions, call the fire department at 708-331-3123. See the map and pick your spot to watch.