The Courier-News has a touching article about Elgin's remembrance of two fallen firefighters, whose sacrifice still echoes through the community 40 years later. A solemn memorial at the Kimball Street River Walk stands as a powerful tribute to the tragic events of June 2, 1974 — the day the Elgin Fire Department lost two brave members, Capt. Stanley Balsis and Michael Whalen. On that fateful day, a teenager dared to float a blow-up raft over the dam beneath the Kimball Street Bridge. When the raft became stuck in strong currents, Balsis and Whalen, both firefighters, launched their boat to rescue him. The vessel hit a concrete wall, capsized, and they were swept into the raging waters. Despite their heroic efforts, the river proved too strong, and the two men were lost. The teen survived, but the loss of two firefighters left a deep scar on the city. On the 40th anniversary of the tragedy, the Balsis family placed a wreath in the river to honor their father’s memory, a tradition that continues to bring closure and reflection. Christopher McMillan, Balsis’ grandson, has often heard stories from locals who remember the event vividly. Each of Balsis’ four children keeps his legacy alive by displaying his firefighting gear and photographs in their homes, ensuring that his story is never forgotten. Patrick Crawford, then a young paramedic in training, was among the first to arrive at the scene. He recalls the day with haunting clarity. Though he eventually left the fire department to focus on his business, the memory of that day has never faded. An unspoken grief Larry Judkins, a retired firefighter, still sees the image of Balsis and Whalen struggling in the water, like shadows caught in a washing machine. He often wonders what could have been done differently, but knows no action would have changed the outcome. “The river is dangerous if you don’t respect it,†he says. The memorial, located near the river, features stone columns adorned with bronze fire helmets and portraits of Balsis and Whalen in their formal uniforms. It tells the story of their final call — a moment of heroism that cost them their lives. This tribute serves as a daily reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by these two firefighters in the line of duty. Thanks, Dan Carbon Steel Weld,Carbon Steel Weld Fittings,Carbon Steel Weld Neck Flange,Spiral Welded Carbon Steel Pipe Guangdong Tonglian Pipeline Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.tonglianpipeline.com