2 Chicago firefighters killed in massive Beverly fire honored 25 years later
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A promise to never forget.
Twenty-five years ago, Anthony Lockhart and Patrick King died in a four-alarm fire in the South Side neighborhood of Beverly.
On Sunday, friends and family remembered the two fallen heroes.
"We got that visit in the middle of the night that nobody ever wants to get ever, and it broke our family," said Gina King, Patrick's wife.
An auto repair shop caught fire in 1998. The building collapsed as the fire escalated quickly. Fire officials at the time said there was only substantial smoke coming out.
That was before it got much worse with flames bursting out. As crews escaped, they realized Lockhart and King never made it out. Their colleagues are now left with vivid memories of them.
"Anthony Lockhart; he was a jokester. So, we call him 'Tony,' and he was quite a jokester. So, just by their service, and what they did to try to put out a fire here, not knowing what they were going into," said CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holtz.
A park on South Western was built and named after King and Lockhart.
"Each and every time I pass this park, which is several times a week, I remember that night and I remember Patrick King and Anthony Lockhart," Alderman Matt O'Shea said.
It's a memorial that people pass by every single day. Loved ones remember the two heroes every time they see it.
"When the neighborhood came together, and decided to put this park together, we were honored. I know the families were honored, because it's always someplace you can go back to," said Mary Rose McNamee with the Gold Badge Society.
Lockhart's family said they're appreciative of the Chicago Fire Department for its commitment to never forget.
And, King's wife said it's a loss that changed their family forever, but moments like Sunday's in this community keep her going.
"We keep him alive by his memories in our hearts, and by telling stories and just things like this to honor him to bring honor to Lockhart," Gina said.
