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The Courier-News recently featured an article about how Elgin is honoring the memory of two fallen firefighters. A grand memorial now stands at the Kimball Street River Walk, serving as a poignant reminder of the tragic events that unfolded 40 years ago when the Elgin Fire Department lost two of its bravest members.
It was June 2, 1974, when Captain Stanley Balsis, 45, and firefighter Michael Whalen, 25, perished while attempting to rescue a young man from the river. In a reckless act of daring, the teenager had ventured onto the Kimball Street Bridge dam in an inflatable raft, only to be swept into the turbulent waters below. When the rescue boat carrying Balsis and Whalen struck a concrete wall and overturned, both men fought valiantly against the unforgiving current. Despite their desperate efforts, they succumbed to the relentless power of the water. Miraculously, the teenager managed to escape and survive.
To mark the 40th anniversary of this heartbreaking incident, the Balsis family paid tribute to their beloved father by tossing a wreath into the river. Even decades later, the impact of this tragedy lingers in the hearts of those who were present that day. Christopher McMillan, Captain Balsis' grandson, has heard countless stories from locals who vividly remember the events of that fateful afternoon.
Balsis' four children—Brad, Linda, Curt, and Sharon—continue to keep his legacy alive by proudly displaying his firefighting memorabilia and photographs in their homes. Their grief is shared by many others, including Patrick Crawford, who was a 27-year-old paramedic trainee at the time. Crawford recalls the harrowing details of that day with remarkable clarity and admits that witnessing such a loss profoundly influenced his decision to leave the profession five years later to focus on his own business, Elgin Medi-Transport Inc.
Larry Judkins, a retired firefighter himself, remains deeply affected by the memory of Balsis and Whalen's struggle in the river. Now 68, he often reflects on the choices he made that day, knowing that no alternative course of action could have altered the grim outcome. "The river is a dangerous place if you don't respect it," Judkins reflects soberly.
The memorial itself is a striking testament to the courage and sacrifice of these two heroes. Flanked by stone columns crowned with bronze fire helmets, it features engraved portraits of Balsis and Whalen in their formal uniforms, along with an inscription detailing the circumstances of their final mission. This monument stands not only as a commemoration on this specific anniversary but also as a daily reminder of the ultimate price paid by two individuals who dedicated their lives to protecting others.
As I write this, I am reminded of how stories like these connect us across generations, bridging past and present through shared memories and collective sorrow. It’s humbling to think about the enduring legacy left behind by people whose actions transcended their own lifetimes, inspiring future generations to honor their sacrifices.
Thanks for sharing, Dan!