New Book Features Images of Northern Illinois Fires and Firefighting

Northern Illinois Fire Ground Photography by Tim Olk features hundreds of never-before-published photos in a 9” x 12” hardbound, coffee table book.

In this full color book, Olk captures the lives of men and women in the fire service. Included are photos of fire scenes and rescues, academy graduations, training, dive calls, department events, holidays, group shots, and more. Areas/departments featured include: Northbrook, Evanston, Gurnee, Roundlake, Chicago, Alsip, Blue Island, Harvey, Wheeling, Highland Park and Flight for Life. Olk’s artistic style transports the reader into the world of northern Illinois fire service.

A commemorative edition is currently being offered on a pre-order basis at the reduced price of $37.50. These commemorative books are numbered as they are sold. You may opt to have your copy personalized for an additional charge. A leather bound edition is also offered, but these options are only available by pre-ordering now. The price will increase by 15-20 percent after the deadline.

Tim Olk took his first fire scene photos when he was only 13 years old. He borrowed his dad’s camera, hopped on his bike and rode down the street to where Northbrook Engine 59 was already hard at work. He later brought the pictures into the station and that is when he met Assistant Chief/Fire Investigator Wayne Luecht. Luecht took Tim under his wing. Once Tim got his drivers licence, he started exploring fire departments in other nearby cities and his interest grew. He took photography classes and learned how to shoot fire scenes from Luecht.

Eventually, Tim became a Paid on Call Firefighter as well as certified in Advanced Fire Scene Photography by the Fire Investigators Strike Force. Tim is now the Midwest US Region Director for the International Fire Photographers Association. He has had many photos featured in Fire Engineering and other industry magazines. In 1999, Tim lost his mentor and friend when Wayne Luecht died of injuries sustained on duty.

The idea for the book was formed out of the respect and admiration for his good friend and for all of the great men and woman in the public safety services that he has met over the years. Tim doesn’t recall what motivated him that first day, but 32 years later he is still busy traveling all over the greater Chicago area capturing scenes like the many shared in this book.

To order, go to www.mtpublishing.com. For more of Tim Olk’s fireground photos, visit http://olkee.smugmug.com.

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