Marine honors Chicago-area fire firefighters

BUFFALO GROVE — An American flag flown over a Marine camp in Afghanistan to honor a suburban Chicago fire department has been given to village leaders.

Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Terry Vavra spoke after the flag was presented. The Daily Herald reports ( http://bit.ly/oKAEXx ) that Vavra says the soldiers "show their dedication to all of us by thinking of us first."

The flag was flown on Feb. 20 over the Base Defense Operation Center, 3rd Battalion 25th Marines Forward Camp Leatherneck. Marine Sgt. Adam Chapman of Hanover Park requested the honor for his uncles, who are Buffalo Grove firefighter paramedics.

The 26-year-old Marine presented the flag. It will be displayed at a Buffalo Grove fire station. Firefighters will wear red shirts on Fridays to show support for the U.S. troops.