DANVILLE — More than a century ago, Danville 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.
Today, that same location at 125 Vermilion St. will be used to host two major training events, according to a release from the Danville Fire Department and Capt. Ryan Allison.
“This location is deeply meaningful to the Danville Fire Department,’’ said Allison in the release. “On February 17, 1915, Firefighters Albert H. Holmes and Albert F. Shanks died in the line of duty while fighting a fire on North Vermilion Street. Training at this site, while also honoring their sacrifice, helps ensure their service is never forgotten.’’
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.
A bell ceremony conducted by the Danville Fire Department Honor Guard will take place at approximately 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at 125 Vermilion St. to honor the commitment and sacrifice of Holmes and Shanks. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
The first training event, set for this Saturday and Sunday, will feature the Illinois Fire Service Institute. Crews will be in the area from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day setting up training grounds and conducting drills. During these hours, the parking lot behind the structure and the alley immediately east of Vermilion Street in that area will be closed, so that students can operate safely.
The following weekend, March 28 and 29, the Danville Fire Department will then host the nationally recognized Nozzle Forward class. This course focuses on hose management skills, with students operating hose lines under pressure and flowing water within structures. For this event, the same parking lot and alley closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
Access to Obsidian Coffee will remain open from the alley, both weekends, and customers may park in the United Refrigeration parking lot during the training period.
More than 50 students are expected to attend the Nozzle Forward class, with firefighters traveling from Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
During this training, firefighters will be flowing large volumes of water in the area around 125 N. Vermilion St. and 124 N. Hazel St. Businesses and residents nearby may notice temporary discoloration in their water as increased flow can stir sediment in the water lines.
The department thanks Aqua Illinois for supporting this class by providing water for training operations and supplying bottled water for students.
Additional class sponsors include Key Hose, Elkhart Brass and State Farm Insurance agent Ross Webb.