DANVILLE, IL (Chambana Today) — The Danville Fire Department is set to host two major training events in downtown Danville later this month, bringing firefighters from across the region to train at 125 North Vermilion Street on March 21-22 and again on March 28-29
The first event will feature the Illinois Fire Service Institute on Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22. Crews will be in the area from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day to set up training grounds and conduct drills. During those hours, the parking lot behind the structure and the alley east of Vermilion Street will be closed.
On Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, Danville FD will then host the nationally recognized Nozzle Forward class, focusing on hose management skills. Students will operate hose lines under pressure and flowing water within structures. The same parking lot will and alley will be closed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
Training at 125 N. Vermilion St. holds special meaning for the Danville Fire Department. On February 17, 1915, Firefighters Albert H. Holmes and Albert F. Shanks died in the line of duty while fighting a fire at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall on North Vermilion Street. The two firefighters were killed when a wall collapsed while they were standing on a second-story fire escape and directing a hose stream through a window. Four other firefighters were injured in the collapse, and five workers were injured in a second collapse on February 19 while clearing debris from the fire scene.
Joint funeral services for Holmes and Shanks were held at First Methodist Church on February 19, 1915.
Holmes was laid to rest at Spring Hill Cemetery, and Shanks was laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery. In
tribute to the fallen firefighters, businesses and factories throughout Danville were encouraged to close
during the funeral processions.