CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The City of Chicago rededicated a Logan Square mural on Sunday to three firefighters who were killed while fighting a fire 38 years ago.
Relatives of Capt. Daniel Nockels and firefighters Michael Talley and Michael Forchione gathered in Fireman's Park for the ceremony in front of the bright mural. It shows the men, in uniform, with angel wings.
Widow Cynthia Forchione credited the department for supporting her family after losing her husband on Feb. 1, 1985, when her two children were under the age of 2.
"The love that you give our family — [and] continue to give our family — is what's caused us to survive," Forchione said.
The men died fighting an arson fire in the old Vicstar Electronics Store, which was located down the street from the park.
Other relatives of the fallen men were there to celebrate the third mural depicting them after the weather and the demolition of the prior building destroyed the earlier versions. Paul Nockels, the youngest son of Daniel Nockels, thanked the city.
Nancy Harty
"For commissioning this beautiful new mural that remarkably captures the faces of my father, firefighter Michael Talley, and firefighter Michael Forchione," Paul Nockels said.
Mayor Brandon Johnson told the crowd murals are a key way to tell stories of the city.
Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said the mural is a testament to the department and its members.
"This mural rededication further reminds us of the sacrifice that first responders make across the country all too often," Nance-Holt said.
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) said neighbors patiently waited for the new mural in Fireman's Park to replace one that had been decayed by weather.
"So, for many months, there was just a white canvas here, and I think it's a credit to the community that no one tagged that white canvas because the community knew that this was a special place," Ramirez-Rosa said.
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