The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire District said they are remembering a 16-year veteran firefighter who died 55 years ago today while fighting a house fire in Algonquin.
Firefighter Edwin LeRoy “Roy” Benson of the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District was one of the first firefighters on the scene of a house fire on Pioneer Road on April 5, 1967.
Benson, 46, drove a fire truck to the house fire and was advancing a hose line toward the burning residence when he collapsed, according to the Illinois Fire Service Institute.
Benson was treated by other firefighters at the scene and was transported to Sherman Hospital but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, the Illinois Fire Service Institute said.
Funeral services for Benson were held three days later and he was interred at Algonquin Cemetery.
He was survived by his wife, two children and his mother.
Benson was a member of the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District for 16 years and a U.S. Army veteran. He operated a service station in Algonquin.
The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District said Tuesday that they were flying a Firefighter Remembrance Flag over all of their fire stations in honor of the anniversary of Benson’s death.
“We remember Brother Benson and his family today in honor of his service and sacrifice to the residents of our community,” the fire district said.