In the early morning hours of February 20, 1990, Firefighter Richard V. Brekrus was assisting with suppression efforts at an arson fire in a structure when he suffered cardiac arrest.

Submitted by his daughter, Patricia Brekrus:
Richard “DOC” Brekrus, was intelligent, had a positive attitude and was a born comic. Going to the grocery store with him would turn into a social event. He was loved by many. He was an avid news junkie and Chicago Cubs Fan. Most of all, he was my dad, my friend, and my protector. I was very proud of the fact the he was a firefighter.