Elgin in Kane County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Illinois Firefighters Memorial Plaza
In honor of all past and present firefighters
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026
1. The Firefighters Memorial Plaza Marker
Inscription.
Illinois Firefighters Memorial Plaza. In honor of all past and present firefighters. The Firefighters Memorial Plaza stands as a monument to those firefighters who have given their lives protecting the residents of Illinois. We dedicate this plaza and bronze statue to those who have served their communities and to those who are serving today. The sacrifices made by these firefighters and their families have not been lost. , , The Annual Firefighters Memorial service has been held on this site since 1994 and will continue to honor those firefighters who have served before us and who are serving today. , ,
Firefighter's Prayer. When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me to embrace a little child before it's too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my neighbor and protect his property. And if according to your will I have to lose my life, bless with your protecting hand my loving family from strife. , - A. W. "Smokey" Linn.
The Firefighters Memorial Plaza stands as a monument to those firefighters who have given their lives protecting the residents of Illinois. We dedicate this plaza and bronze statue to those who have served their communities and to those who are serving today. The sacrifices made by these firefighters and their families have not been lost.
The Annual Firefighters Memorial service has been held on this site since 1994 and will continue to honor those firefighters who have served before us and who are serving today.
Firefighter's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me to embrace a little child before it's too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my neighbor and protect his property. And if according to your will I have to lose my life, bless with your protecting hand my loving family from strife.
- A. W. "Smokey" Linn.
Erected 2022.
Topics.
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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Heroes. A significant historical year for this entry is 1994.
Location. 42° 1.533′ N, 88° 16.168′ W. Marker is in Elgin, Illinois, in Kane County. It is at the intersection of St. Charles Street and Arlington Avenue on St. Charles Street. The plaza is in front of the Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 533 St Charles Street, Elgin IL 60120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
More about this marker. A statue of a firefighter stands atop the memorial. The sides of the base include the names of all firefighters who have died in the line of duty in Illinois.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026
3. Illinois Firefighters Memorial Plaza
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026
4. Firefighter statue
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026
5. Illinois Firefighters Memorial Plaza
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026
6. Donor plaques for firefighters memorial
In the far background is a marker about the donation of land for the small, triangular VanNostrand Park.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026
7. Illinois Firefighters Memorial Plaza
Several plaques like this list the names of all Illinois firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The first names on this plaque died in 1857.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos:1. submitted on May 17, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 2. submitted on May 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 3. submitted on May 17, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on May 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.