On Sunday October 6th, 2013 the North Palos Fire Protection District Truck 804 responded auto-aid to Palos Fire Protection District for a reported house fire. When the companies arrived on the scene they were met with a fully involved attic fire, with reports of the elderly residents still in the house. Truck 804 teamed up with the Palos Engine Companies inside the front door of the living room to pull ceiling and expose the fire. However, within a matter of minutes a 12X16 foot section of the ceiling (which was constructed of approximately 2 inches thick plaster/cement) landed on top of the crew. Several firefighters were able to escape out of the front door, three were able to escape through a window in another room and two members remained trapped. One of the firefighters was unconscious and quickly pulled out by fellow firefighters. That left the final firefighter Michael “Sully” Sullivan trapped under approximately 5300 pounds of the plaster/cement ceiling. Sully had to make that call that every firefighter dreads to hear much less having to make…a MAYDAY call. He was unable to move. It took fellow firefighters from Palos, Palos Heights and North Palos F. P. D.’s several minutes to extricate and remove him from the building.
Three firefighters were transported to area hospitals. Two of the firefighters were able to return to work after recovering from their injuries in two to three weeks. Michael “Sully” Sullivan suffered the worst injuries. He suffered injury to both knees and a shoulder injury, all requiring surgery.
Michael “Sully” Sullivan has been a dedicated member of the North Palos Fire Protection District for the past 17 years were he has proudly served. Michael is a great friend and coworker to everyone that he has worked with. He is always helping us anytime we need him both professionally and personally. Now he needs our help. Michael “Sully” is a laid off Union Plumber; he was currently working as a part-time firefighter with North Palos Fire Protection District. He has a long road to recovery from his injuries, which he suffered doing what he loved best…being a Firefighter. He has already had one surgery on one of his knees and will have at least two more surgeries in the next few months.
As his extended family we are coming together to help him and his family through these tough times. The bills continue to come in and are starting to pile up, while the holidays are quickly approaching. We are asking you to please help make this a successful event.
Three firefighters were transported to area hospitals. Two of the firefighters were able to return to work after recovering from their injuries in two to three weeks. Michael “Sully” Sullivan suffered the worst injuries. He suffered injury to both knees and a shoulder injury, all requiring surgery.
Michael “Sully” Sullivan has been a dedicated member of the North Palos Fire Protection District for the past 17 years were he has proudly served. Michael is a great friend and coworker to everyone that he has worked with. He is always helping us anytime we need him both professionally and personally. Now he needs our help. Michael “Sully” is a laid off Union Plumber; he was currently working as a part-time firefighter with North Palos Fire Protection District. He has a long road to recovery from his injuries, which he suffered doing what he loved best…being a Firefighter. He has already had one surgery on one of his knees and will have at least two more surgeries in the next few months.
As his extended family we are coming together to help him and his family through these tough times. The bills continue to come in and are starting to pile up, while the holidays are quickly approaching. We are asking you to please help make this a successful event.