RIP Roaring Dedication Friday

The public is invited to attend the dedication for the DeKalb Fire Department’s new ladder truck, to be called RIP ROARING, named after retired fire chief, Al Rippi this Friday, June 3rd at 10am at Station #1.

“RIP” Roaring, Fire Chief Albert “RIP” Riippi Fire Chief Albert Riippi has a unique history with the City of DeKalb that should be recognized and honored allowing the entire community to understand what it means to be from DeKalb and to be a part of this community. Al Riippi grew up in DeKalb, graduated from DeKalb High School, and attended college at Northern Illinois University (NIU) where he played football.

In 1946, he was part of the undefeated championship team of their division. Upon his return to DeKalb from that final football game, Al was called to report to Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago for boot camp and then later entered into service in World War II in the Pacific. When he returned from the service, he worked in DeKalb and played semi-pro football for the Aurora Clippers, which he was named the MVP of that team.

He became a DeKalb police officer, and then in 1949, took a position on the fire department. Football was always there. In 1952, he left the fire department for the opportunity to play on the practice squad for the Green Bay Packers. He returned to the fire department in 1959 and served until 1986 when he retired as Fire Chief.

Additional reasons why the new truck will be named after Fire Chief Al Riippi:

• He was a part of the “Greatest Generation” serving in World War II. Because few veterans of WWII are alive, this honors the entire generation with this dedication.
• In our almost 150 year history, only 18 members of DeKalb’s fire department have served in the capacity of Fire Chief. Even less have served on DeKalb’s fire and police departments.
• The Huskie logo is on the basket because of NIU’s collaboration in the purchase of this truck. This is a unique way to tie the history of a firefighter to the university.
• Chief Riippi still lives in town and it is a privilege to honor him with this dedication.