By Josh Barr
Nick with niece and nephew, circa 2000. (click to enlarge) Circa 1980, Nick (middle) and brothers in Tower Ladder 14, a company believed to have had the only tower ladder in the city of Chicago, and one, it’s said, was the city’s busiest. (click to enlarge)
Scholarship: The Ignite the Spirit Nicholas Grogan Memorial Scholarship.
In honor of: Nick Grogan, late Chicago (IL) firefighter and engineer.
About the scholarship: Well – ya gotta earn it.
This $5,000 scholarship is awarded to one student who will be attending a tuition-based high school and whose essay is selected from the pool of submissions.
It’s offered through Ignite the Spirit, a 2003-birthed firefighter charity and fundraising engine committed to community involvement and betterment, assisting its brothers and sisters of the Chicago Fire Department, and helping the families of the fallen fight on and forward.
2011 marks the 5th year this $5,000 scholarship is being offered.
For its inspiration, and for inspiration: Read on.
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Almost five years after his passing, Nick Grogan’s wife Betty still talks about the love of her life as if he’s running for mayor.
But for the man Nick was and the strength he is, mayor’s small time.
No one knew Nick better than his better half. That said – we’ll shut up.
Betty Grogan: “Nick Grogan was a Chicago Firefighter/Engineer for 26 years. And, just like you, he was a regular guy. One of those “everyday” heroes that exists in every firehouse in every city, without flash nor fanfare.
He did his job. He loved his job. – So, why has the Ignite the Spirit organization chosen to honor his memory by creating and offering an annual educational scholarship…here’s maybe a few reasons:
After more than two decades on the job, Nick’s health started to be impacted. First, he had some corrective surgery on his feet, due to a lifelong battle with arthritis. And, when the original surgeries were unsuccessful, additional surgeries were required, which ultimately included amputation of portions of one foot. Then, in early 2006, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. At this point, you’re probably thinking – Gee – another poor guy with bad health – no wonder they have a memorial.
And, if you are, you’d be wrong….
The heart and spirit Nick brought to the job is what is being memorialized.
During all of his health setbacks, he only focused on one thing – how quickly could he get back to work. He could not wait to get back to the job. He brought a “play the cards you’re dealt” philosophy to his world. He would not let a “little thing” like cancer deter him from doing the job he so enjoyed. And, it was only when he felt he was unable to do the job 110 percent, thus risking the lives of his firefighter family, that he reluctantly went into premature retirement.
Off the job, Nick was a life-long learner – a self taught wood worker, painter, photographer and golfer. So, it was at his retirement dinner, that the Ignite the Spirit organization made their first endowment of this educational scholarship.
Nick’s daughters, Meghan and Nicole, continue their father’s tradition of thirst for knowledge and education. Meghan is “giving some back” in her role as a first grade teacher at a low-income school, and Nicole recently started her journey toward becoming a doctor, entering medical school in the fall of this year.
Not a superstar by media or social measurements. A regular guy – who loved his family, his brotherhood, his thirst for knowledge. Who lived every day of his life – not succumbing to adversity, but planning to beat the odds at every turn.
Memorialize a life well lived – not one cut short.”
To that, to Nick, may your body rest in peace. Your example lives on. Sound. Strong.
Always.
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Nick (third from right) with brothers at his last firehouse, Engine 106. |
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Nick, just promoted to Engineer. |
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The Ignite the Spirit Nicholas Grogan Memorial Scholarship
If you would like to honor the self-second FF every FF should be by donating – it’s easy, and any amount will help give a deserving student the better chance he or she worked to earn.
To make a monetary donation, click on Ignite the Spirit, “Donate”, and earmark for the “Nick Grogan Scholarship”. Again any support you provide provides just that to a kid who needs it and who will use it.
Goods? Services? Any kind in any amount will do good.
If you’re in, near, visiting, or will be visiting Greater Chicago, volunteer even 5 minutes of your time. Nick would thank you. As would Betty.
Whatever type of contribution you can make, we encourage you to contact Rich Pinskey and the Ignite the Spirit Team.
Rich, a Chicago Fire Dept. FF, co-founded Nick’s scholarship and serves as wheelman. He was Nick’s good friend and brother. With Betty, the entire Grogan family, and many others, he proudly co-leads Nick’s run for mayor.
But, Rich is a Blackhawks fan – so please hold that against him. This Greater Philly writer does. That said, he’s dangerous on the links. To golfers, pedestrians, motorists, clubhouse diners – anyone within 92 yards, his longest drive to date.
Call him at (773) 218-1114 or email him at richpinskey@aol.com, putting “FE-Nick” as your subject line.
Here’s one for Nick and the good guys – and every good guy and gal in the making.
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Nick is one of many. As is the Nick Grogan Scholarship.
Fire Engineering (FE) wants to feature your charity and the man or woman who inspired it. At no cost.
Contact FE‘s Josh Barr at (856) 340-1768 or email him at Josh.Barr326@gmail.com, putting “FE Forward” as your email’s subject line.
Let’s do some good for those who need it – and for those who did the same.
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You can also visit Josh’s FE Community Page to discuss Nick and other stories from fire service’s past at http://community.fireengineering.com/photo/photo/next?context=user&id=1219672%3APhoto%3A491261.
Josh Barr is a 10-year freelance magazine writer and copywriter. He has published articles in regional, national, and international magazines; e-zines; journals; and entertainment weeklies on firefighting, business, technology, sports, art, music, overly-bearded bikers, and underappreciated chicken wings. He is the grandson of the late Al Barr, who was a 32-year member of the Philadelphia (PA) Fire Department.
Visit Josh’s page on the Fire Engineering Web site at http://community.fireengineering.com/profile/JoshBarr.
