CrossFit Chicago

Firefighter Memorial Workout 2012
-Brian Clarke

On December 23, 2011, the CrossFit Chicago community joined first responders and military personnel from all around the Chicagoland area. The workout honored two fallen members of the Chicago Fire Department in the form of a partner WOD. It was a proud moment. As I looked across the room filled with friends and co-workers who had showed up and agreed to do a workout in memory of two men, most of whom they had never met. The idea was to repeat the same this year. Jonny set up the Facebook invite and within a couple of days almost 50 people agreed once again to give up their Friday afternoon to workout in memory of the CFD fallen.

 Within the last month, the Chicago Fire Department has lost two more members in the line of duty. On November 2, 2012 Capt. Herbie Johnson, a 32-year veteran firefighter, died when he was hit by a flashover of flames in a Gage Park house fire. Johnson is survived by his wife, Susan, a daughter and two sons. One son is in college and the other in the U.S. Marine Corps. Three brothers are Chicago police officers, a sister is a retired Chicago cop and another brother is a Chicago firefighter. On November 11, 2012 Firefighter Walter Patmon Jr. suffered a fatal heart attack in his firehouse after returning from a small kitchen fire. Patmon is survived by his wife Dianne and three daughters.


After hearing of the recent CFD losses, Rudy suggested that we include Capt. Johnson and FF Patmon in our tribute WOD, which means the December 21st event will change a bit. The WOD will be revamped and will be in memory of Chicago Fire Department members who have given their lives in the performance of their duties.


Ignite the Spirit, a charity that exclusively supports Chicago firefighters and paramedics, will be there collecting donations.

Last year´s event was a great time, and I think this year will be even better!

Memorial Shirts
-Jonny Vu

To help Ignite the Spirit, we’re producing a very limited edition Chicago Fire Department/CrossFit Chicago t-shirt. Printed on Next Level CVC (60 cotton/40 poly blend), the navy blue shirts will have the CFD scripted logo over the alarm numbers of “3-3-5″, which signifies that the company has returned home. Also, the Chicago Fire Department Emblem and the words “Duty – Pride – Tradition” will be printed on the shirt. All proceeds will benefit Ignite the Spirit and orders will be taken up to Monday at 9AM. If you’re interested, please send Jonny an email with your size (Men Sizes S-XXL) and how many shirts you would like. The shirts will be ready for the event and your account will be charged prior to the event.