Remembering Will County firefighters who ‘died in the line of duty’

A memorial for the Lodd Memorial Bell Tower was held Saturday at St. John the Baptist Church in Joliet.

Oct. 2 is the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels in the Catholic Church.

The bell tower honors firefighters who “died in the line of duty in Will County,” Brother Ed Arambasich, the chaplain for the Joliet Fire Department, said in a text message.

“This project was under the direction of Boy Scout Will Ogrizovich for his Eagle Scout Award project that was designed under his leadership,” Arambasich said in the message “This memorial will be a lasting reminder of the kindness and generosity of firefighters who offer themselves each day for others no matter what the cost.”

Arambasich said the materials used in the tower are native to Illinois, including the limestone. The upper left of the actual plaque has an image of Saint Florian (patron saint of firefighters), and the upper right has the Maltese cross, which firefighters wear over their hearts to remind them of their “love and dedication to God and humanity,” Arambasich said in the message.

The monument is located at 404 N. Hickory St. at St John the Baptist Catholic Church. A War Dead Memorial for World War I, World War II, as well as the Vietnam War has been at that location since 1918, Arambasich said.

“It is appropriate to have both monuments together honoring all those who gave their lives for others,” Arambasich said.

But before the bell tower ceremony at 4 p.m., Arambasich was blessing pets at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre in Joliet in honor St. Francis of Assisi’s feast day Monday. St Francis is the patron saint of animals.

There was no ceremony with this event. Owners simply brought their pets for Arambasich to bless Saturday.