CHATHAM — A community event to honor Chicago's black firefighters killed in the line of duty will take place Aug. 19 at Brown Memorial Park, 634 E. 86th St.
A community picnic and jazz in the park will take place from noon to 4 p.m. sponsored by the Brown Park Advisory Board, Gathering Point Community Council and Greater Chatham Alliance.
The annual event honors the city's black firefighters who died in the line of duty, as well as the community's senior population.
The park is named after Sidney Brown, the first black Chicago firefighter to die while fighting a fire.
Brown, 32, was killed on Aug. 9, 1983, after rushing into a burning house where three children were reportedly trapped inside. The report turned out to be false.
RELATED: Park Honoring 1St Black Firefighter To Die In Line of Duty
There will be a balloon release, and Chicago Fire Department Engine No. 53 will attend.
Community organizers are asking for groups and organizations to attend. There is no fee to pass out information, and tables and chairs will be provided. Groups are asked to arrive between 10:30a.m. and 11 a.m.
Contact 773-783-1255 or 773-505-1255 to reserve a space.
