Chris Wheately died in the line of duty at a Chicago Fire at Avec Restaurant on August 9th, 2010. Photo by Katie Ryan.
Brothers and Sisters,
Now that a few days have passed and we try to get back to our normal routines, the reality that Brother Chris Wheatley is gone has begun to painfully sink in. Even though we realize that we all must move forward, it is important to note that we will never forget the sacrifice that Chris, and his family, have made for the citizens of Chicago.
Many thanks go out to all the Local 2 members who braved challenging conditions, both emotional and physical, to attend his visitation and funeral. The Wheatley family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and the generosity of Local 2 and our membership. They understand we are a family and they know that even those who were unable to attend Chris’ services were present in spirit.
We did what we always do; come through when one of our own is in need.
The proceedings of last week could not have happened without a collective and focused effort from many groups and individuals. Special thanks go out to the members of Engine 5, Truck 2 and Ambulance 28, Fr. Mulcrone, Fr. McNalis and St. John Fischer Parish, the Gold Badge Society, the IAFF and the AFFI, Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, the CFD Pipes and Drums, the Local 2 and CFD Honor Guard, the FOP Lodge 7 and the Chicago Police Department, the 5-11 Club, the representatives from Fire Deptartments from all over the US and Canada and the many elected officials who attended, the Lima-Lima Flight Team, 115 Bourbon St. and to anyone else I may have inadvertently forgotten to mention. They all made a very tough situation a little easier to manage.
You should be very proud of the incredible job all of you did in order to give Chris and his family the final tribute they deserved.
Fraternally,
Tom Ryan
President Local 2
I am very sorry for your loss, and deep compassion. Fire Fighters are real heroes, and deserve a lot of honour. I think you should move on and keep fighting fires and saving people. The brother you lost in combat, deserves something extra, maybe put a picture on him in the entrance or reception of your working place, it would mean a lot, both to him, to his family, to his friends and to all the recruits. Thank you for all that you do. Many, many blessings to each and every one of you who do so much, not because you have to, but because you want to.
just wanted to pass on our condolences and to let you know how very important and valued your work is. thanks for all you do …
I am so sorry for your loss,and my heart goes out to you.
You are truly heroes and have my love and respect always.
May none of us ever forget what it is you all do for us….
I really have a lot of respect for the work you do.
I feel sorry for your loss and hope that all of you and his family will find the strength to carry on.
I’m so so sorry. Thank you guys so much.
I’m sorry for your loss. Remember its always darkest before the dawn…
I condole with you on your loss. Firefighters are the true heros of world.
Blessings to all of you in your time of loss. Chris was a brave soul who put others before himself, a true hero. Thank you for all you heroes do!
I’m so sorry for your loss. My husband is a former volunteer fire chief, brother a former smoke jumper, my son a current helitack crew chief. I know how hard it is to lose a family member. I’ve told my son that the only thing that will ease the pain for me is that I will know that I knew he was doing what he loved and he was doing something wonderful for others. There’s a special place in heaven for firefighters. Your brother is there. Blessings to all from Bishop, California.
You put your life on the line for others which is an amazing feat.I truly am sorry for your lose.
Hey just wanted to send my condolences from Washington state. You guys do hero work and thank you for it.
My heart and thoughts go out to to everyone who knew and loved Mr. Wheatley. It’s heartbreaking when someone loses their life and it really hits home when that person did so while saving lives and structures. His bravery and dedication will be remembered. When I see a fire truck or ambulance drive by with sirens and lights it makes me catch my breath. I know that there is someone in desperate need of your help and I send out a prayer that things will be ok for everyone involved. All of you deserve a huge thank you for all you do to help and protect all of us every day. You are greatly appreciated. Know I’m sending love all the way from Southern California.
I am always so saddened to hear of a brave caring person passing on so young. I hope you will take comfort in the fact that he was doing something that he loved, with people he loved. Every one of you are heroes and have earned my whole hearted thanks.
Love and Prayers. A true hero indeed.
I’m so sorry to learn of your loss. My prayers go out to all of you – and especially to Chris’s friends, coworkers, and family. Thank you for your bravery and honor. Your service means so much to me as a citizen and especially as a mother. I cannot thank you enough.
Sending you all comforting wishes from Winnipeg MB, CAN.
You are heroes and while his loss will always hurt, his memory will also always live on in you. Thank you so much for everything you do.
Thank you so much for all that you do. You are all true heroes.
I am so grateful for the sacrifice of those who put their lives in danger to help others. I respect everyone in the fire service. I am sorry that you lost a dear friend and brother. I hope that you will continue to remember him and those times that were good. Thank you for your service. I’ll be praying for you all.
Thank you, all of you. When we were children, we learned that fictional characters with superpowers were superheroes.
Then we grow up, and see that people like you are the real heroes. The real people with superhuman bravery, courage, love and an amazing amount of sacrifice for others. Chris is somewhere better, and treated like the angel he is. Word cannot express the miracle you people are, thank you. You all are loved, and very very amazing.
When you ask a little kid what they wanna be when they grow up, it’s pretty much guarenteed that they will answer with whatever profession their hero is. In this age, you would think that the heros of today’s children would be characters of the ever popular television shows and video games. Yet, go out and ask this of almost any little boy, and one of the number one answers is ‘i wanna be a fireman!’ Thank you for all the good that you do, in not only saving people’s lives, but in being fantastic role models for children. We all appreciate everything you do, and I’ll be thinking of you and the people you have lost.
im deeply sorry for your loss, imay you and your beloved ones be surrounded by the fotonic ray ….love to all of you in chicago.
im always near in mexico….
my grandfather once told me that a firefighter is the one who runs in when all the rest are running out. Mr. Wheatley’s commitment to running in places him among those who sacrifice for his brothers and sisters. He was, and will remain, a hero.
Lean on each other and your fellow citizens in your time of grief and know that a most grateful citizenry holds Mr. Wheatley, his family and his community with the most loving hands.
Thank you to each and every one of you – for running in.
I’m sorry for your loss. I have two brothers working in the fire service so I never forget about the dangers of their careers, but they also remind me of the joy it brings them when they know they were able to save a life. They chose to be firefighters because they wanted to help people and make a difference, despite the risks that come with such a hazardous job. I can only imagine that Mr. Wheatley felt the same, and just by bravely accepting the danger of this line of work I believe he was a great man. I don’t live anywhere near Chicago, but from what I’ve read and heard he sounds like he was a wonderful man to know. May he rest in peace.
Thank you to all of the men and women who put your lives on the line for the safety of others. I greatly admire all of you.
-Zoey
I feel sorry for your loss and deep compassion. I hope you find the strength in yourselfs to remember your firefighter-brother with a smile in your face.
My best wishes go out to you guys. Thank you for serving your community – because you chose to do so. I admire you for your courage and will to help those in danger.
I’m very sorry for your loss. Thank you for all that you do. Many, many blessings to each and every one of you who do so much, not because you have to, but because you want to. You are appreciated.