South Elgin remembers

Though their lives were cut short by illness, accident or other causes, the memories of 12 South Elgin children and two police officers are now permanently etched in the community.

The village Saturday dedicated its Footprints in Time Memorial Plaza in Gateway Park, a place village officials hope will become a happy place for relatives and friends of those it honors.

"This is a place where you can come to smile and reflect on the happy times you had together," said Village Administrator Larry Jones. "This can be a happy place, even a spiritual place, but it does not have to be a sad place."

At least 150 people gathered in the park at La Fox and West State streets, many wiping away tears during the 45-minute dedication ceremony.

State Sen. John Millner, a Carol Stream Republican, and Village President Jim Hansen also attended.

The centerpiece of the plaza is a bronze statue of a girl leapfrogging over a boy.

A brass plaque at the statue reads: "Footprints in Time is dedicated to the memory of children whose shortened lives left an eternal impression on the community; and to the individuals whose lives were devoted to loving, mentoring and educating them."

A dozen of the brick pavers surrounding the statue are engraved with the name of a child or a message.

"The memorial dedication was an emotional but very beautiful service and it was a beautiful day," said Jackie Rumachik, whose 3-year-old son Chase drowned in the Fox River last year. "The statue portrays exactly what we believe Chase is doing right now, playing like he loved to do every day."

The plaza also includes two benches honoring police officers Steve Abbott and Dan Montag, who died off duty in 1995 and 2002, respectively.

Dan Montag died in 2002 from leukemia at age 39. Ryan Montag, 18, said the bench honoring his father meant "everything" to his sister Alyssa, 12, and their mother, Tina.

"He lived his life for children," Ryan Montag said.

The project, which was a collaboration between the village's nonprofit FUNdation and the parks and recreation department, also honors the following children: Nick Garcia, Olaf Hansen, Alice Hargis, Meara Hargrave, Matthew Hodges, Kaitlyn Hulfachor, Andrew and Grace Isham, Donna Moore, Dillon Pierzchalski, Chase Rumachik, and Cal Sutter.

Those interested in purchasing bricks can contact the village's parks and recreation department at (847) 622-0003.