Died in the line of duty October 26th, 1981

Young, energetic and talented. All these words could be used to describe Jerry Srejma.

Jerry, age 26, a young single man still living at home with his parents, joined the Pleasantview Fire District in 1975. Inspired by his Uncle Bill, a Chicago Firefighter, Jerry’s original intent was to become a firefighter, but as time progressed he found the desire to become a paramedic. A computer programmer by profession, his dedication to the Community and his love of volunteering were well known. A devoted member of the Fire District, he was described as quiet and reserved by his fellow members.

In the early morning of October 26th, 1981, while doing the job he loved for the last 6 years, he became the first of two in the line of duty deaths the Fire District would suffer that day – the first ever in the history of the Fire District. While fighting a fire in a commercial building in the City of Countryside, the lives of Jerry Srejma and Gary Michalek were taken from their families, Fire District, and Community when the roof of the building collapsed trapping both men.

Their spirit is remembered and honored today in memorials at the National Firefighter Memorial in Emmetsburg, Maryland, the Illinois Firefighters Memorial in Springfield, Illinois, a Countryside Park named in their honor, in scholarships named in his honor from the Illinois Fire Chief’s Educational Foundation and the Pleasantview Firefighters Association, and in this Memorial dedicated to their memory.

May he rest in peace.

Died in the line of duty October 26th, 1981

Gary Michalek, age 21, a young single man still living at home with his parents, joined the Pleasantview Fire District in 1980.  An employee of United Parcel Service (UPS), Gary desired to follow in the foot steps of other family members who were in the Fire Service.  Described as “good natured and athletic” by his fellow Firefighters, he was also known for his ability to fix things.

He had served with the department less then 1 year when, in the early morning of October 26th, 1981, he became the second of two in the line of duty deaths the Fire District would suffer that day – the first ever in the history of the Fire District.  While fighting a fire in a commercial building in the City of Countryside, the lives of Gary Michalek and Jerry Srejma were taken from their families, Fire District, and Community when the roof of the building collapsed trapping both men.

Their spirit is remembered and honored today in memorials at the National Firefighter Memorial in Emmetsburg, Maryland, the Illinois Firefighters Memorial in Springfield, Illinois, a Countryside Park named in their honor, in scholarships named in his honor from the Illinois Fire Chief’s Educational Foundation and the Pleasantview Firefighters Association, and in this Memorial dedicated to their memory.

May he rest in peace.