Grayslake fire station to be named for former chief

Grayslake Fire Station No. 1 is being renamed to honor a former chief who officials say was instrumental in molding the district into what it is today.

The station, located at 160 Hawley St. in downtown Grayslake, will be named after former Chief Rodney Rockenbach during a ceremony at 1 p.m. Saturday, said current Chief John Christian.

Following the ceremony, there will be an open house at the station. The public is welcome to come in for a quick tour.

"Chief Rockenbach was instrumental in organizing the Grayslake Fire Protection District into what it is today," Christian said. "So, it seems only fitting to put his name on the building and honor him this way."

Rockenbach served the department for 48 years - 38 of them as chief - before retiring in 1993. He died in 2007 at the age of 89.

Christian said the idea to rename the station in honor of Rockenbach came after renovation of the current station was completed.

He said the remodeling cost the district about $800,000, which district was able to absorb without any additional cost to taxpayers.

"The station hasn't been remodeled since 1985, and it was definitely time for a change," he said. "Our department has grown since then, and we didn't have the space we needed anymore."

He said a plaque will be installed at the station in honor of Rockenbach, and that family members will be in attendance for the dedication ceremony.