After visiting with over 100 fire departments across our nation, since leaving Manhattan Beach (CA) on January 25th, the Manhattan to Manhattan Tour met up with Chicago Fire IAFF Local 2 at the Quinn Fire Academy on June 28th. The bus was met by Local 2 President Tom Ryan and the Fire Commissioner; along with other Chicago Fire members.

Other than taking photos with fire department members along the zig-zagging 10,000 mile route, this mission is also about getting the 9/11 Tribute Patches on the uniforms, jackets, turnout coats or job-shirts of our nation's firefighters. This helps us raise donations for the FDNY Bravest Scholarship Fund, the Terry Farrell Fund and the Feal Good Foundation. The 9/11 Tribute Patches also unite us all, allow us to honor the heroes of 9/11 and remind us all of what we are willing to do if necessary.

Another part of the fellowship and fund raising mission is to carry organizations with us for the national tour by getting their station logo's and names on the side of the bus. This is called the "Don't Miss The Bus" campaign.

I am both happy and proud to report that the Chicago Local 2 may be getting on the bus with us--this will have to wait for board approval. The Fire Commissioner did approve the firefighters wearing the 9/11 Patches on their job-shirts!

After recently touring Iowa and Illinois, we have confirmed that Davenport(IA), Bettendorf(IA) and Rockford Firefighters (IL) are all going to be on the bus with us.

Thanks to Tom Ryan and the Fire Commissioner for hosting this historical stop in Chicago and for providing great hospitality and fellowship.

Learn more about the 9/11 Patch Project and Fire Careers' combined awareness and fund raising mission HERE