FF/PM Christopher D. Wheatley Memorial Foundation

08/09/2024

We remember and honor the following firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty on August 9. We also recognize their sacrifice and that of their families. Search for the Roll of Honor profiles of these firefighters on our website.

08/09/2024

It is mind boggling Chris has been gone for 14 years. His huge personality, infectious sense of humor, bright smile, sensitive heart, generosity of self, and dedication to the greater good is sorely missed every single day. The world dimmed when Chris left. His memory will never be forgotten and his legacy lives on. Thank you for remembering. We hope the pictures of him bring back good memories.

Although we haven’t had a big fundraiser in years, the Firefighter/Paramedic Christopher D. Wheatley Memorial Foundation (FF/PM CDW Memorial Foundation) continues to support our scholarship partnerships with Lemont High School, Chicago Fire Department’s Gold Badge Society, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)—College of Medicine, and Romeoville Fire Academy. Over the past 14 years, FF/PM CDW Memorial Foundation has distributed over $230,000 to students who embody Chris’s commitment to service and love of life.

If you’d like to make a donation today to help keep the scholarship program going, we’d greatly appreciate it! In the coming months, we hope to share news about our vision of CDW Memorial Foundation moving forward, and how we will ensure sustainability for the scholarship program for many years to come.

To donate:

PayPal Giving Fund:
https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2134527

PayPal:
[email protected]

Checks addressed to CDW Memorial Foundation accepted at:
CDW Memorial Foundation
P.O. Box 654
Lemont, IL, 60439

Please share. Thank you!

08/09/2021

Eleven years without Chris. Seems unimaginable…wish it was.

The journey after losing someone, especially a person so special, is long and arduous. We wish it on no one.

Unfortunately, too many are forced to venture this path. We see it all too often.

Chicago endured more tragedy over the weekend. Our hearts are broken at the loss of CPD officer, 29-year-old Ella French, her loved ones, the officer still fighting for his life, his loved ones, and our entire CPD/CFD family.

Chicago’s first responders (and ALL first responders) are on the front lines every single day. They know they might not make it home. They do it for us.

Please keep them, and their loved ones always hoping and praying for their safe returns, in your prayers and heart.

Sadly, time is owed to no one. Please cherish your loved ones & hold them close. You never know.

We miss you so much, Chris. ❤️🙏🏼❤️

https://cdwmemorialfoundation.org

03/07/2021

Celebrate the life of Eileen Coglianese, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Blake-Lamb Funeral Home.

02/14/2021

New article for 2021. Video included takes you icebreaking aboard the Christopher Wheatley!

An 11-year-old boat made of reinforced steel and concrete, the Christopher Wheatley crushes the icy river with deceptive ease.

02/09/2021

CFD’s icebreaker, the Christopher Wheatley, was built in 2011 for $9M & can handle a foot of ice. Essentially a floating ambulance/fire truck, The Wheatley has a triage room, diving platform, and 4 water cannons that can pump 15K gallons of water/minute. ❤️

How bubblers, boats and brawn keep the city safe each winter.