Pat Elwood from FOX Chicago showcases the Great Chicago Fire Hydrant campaign kick-off on 9/11:
Author Dakota Shultz
by Caroline Connors
“A replica of a fire hydrant that honors Chicago’s fallen firefighters is coming to Mt. Greenwood on the 12th anniversary of 9/11.
“John and Caley Funk, owners of Funkie Fashions, 3522 W. 111th St., are participating in the Great Chicago Fire Hydrants program, a citywide public art installation benefiting charities that support the families of fire victims and other fire safety programs.
“The Funks are sponsoring one of the 101 fire hydrants that represent the 101 firehouses in Chicago. The fire hydrants are sponsored by a company or individual and will be located at businesses, parks, plazas and tourist destinations throughout the city from Sept. 11 to Nov. 11. Following the exhibit, the hydrants will be auctioned to the highest bidder. …”
“CHICAGO, Ill. — One of West Michigan’s notable artists created a piece in Chicago to honor first responders.
“Paul Collins created an over-sized fire hydrant which will be on display in Millennium Park from Sep. 11 through mid-November, as part of a project called The Great Chicago Fire Hydrants. Collins hopes his work will help remind people of the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make for us.
“That’s why, after its display, Collins will auction off the work. Proceeds will go to the 100 Club, an organization dedicated to supporting the families of fallen firefighters and police officers.”
By Heather Schroering, Tribune Newspapers
“For more than four weeks, a 5-foot fire hydrant stood in 12-year-old Bela Quintas’ living room in Chicago’s Noble Square neighborhood.
“Bela, a self-taught artist, transformed what was once a white fiberglass hydrant into an eye-catching representation of fire safety, Chicago landmarks and the city’s firefighters.
“Bela is the designer behind one of the 101 hydrants, symbolic of Chicago’s 101 firehouses, to be featured in the public art installation “The Great Chicago Fire Hydrants.” The citywide exhibit debuts Wednesday, Sept. 11 and honors the heroism of Chicago firefighters. …”
Bob Sirott from FOX Chicago stopped by Carnivale Restaurant to talk with rocker Sammy Hagar about his support of Chicago firefighters and The Great Chicago Fire Hydrants public art campaign.
WGN News had to break-out the big screen to feature The Great Chicago Fire Hydrants in-studio. Hydrants sponsored by Wintrust and CH Distillery, designed respectively by Anna Celander and Jeffrey Forsythe looked great with Joe Ahern from the 100 Club of Chicago, and Tom Ryan from Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2.
By Mark Konkol
DNAinfo.com
“DOWNTOWN — When Sammy Hagar rocks Northerly Island later this month, he’s bringing a giant, tiki-themed fire hydrant on stage with him.
Don’t worry, it’s not some weird rock star fetish.
It’s just the former Van Halen frontman’s way of supporting Chicago cops and firefighters.
Hagar’s island-themed fire plug is his contribution to the 100 Club of Chicago’s The Great Chicago Fire Hydrants public art project that aims to raise cash for families of first responders killed in the line of duty.”