In an effort to honor the passionate fans that have helped build the traditions of the Chicago Fire since the club's inception in 1997, a commemorative Wall of Honor has been established.
This plaque, unveiled on Saturday, June 28, 2008 by Section 8 Chicago, will forever celebrate the dedicated Fire fans present today and the memory of those who have left us.
Dan Parry (1973-2006)
Dan was a tireless advocate and volunteer for the New World Resource Center, a lifelong activist for working class causes, international solidarity and social justice. A trained paramedic, he selflessly traveled to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and was quickly put to work with a triage team in the Superdome’s chaotic makeshift shelter.
Beyond supporting the Fire, Dan was an avid follower of Glasgow Celtic Football Club, and could regurarly be seen be seen at the Globe Pub cheering on his Hoops. He also gained notoriety as a DJ , spinning “Northern Soul” records at various locations around Chicagoland.
Brandon Kitchens (1983-2007)
Brandon was president of one of the Fire’s most passionate supporters groups – Whiskey Brothers Aught Five. He supported the Fire before, during and after his three tours of duty in the Middle East. He left the United States Air Force in May 2007 and started working with Chicago 2016, the organization working to bring the 2016 Summer Olympics to the city.
He had planned to attend Northwestern University in the fall of 2007 and begin working toward a Political Science degree. Brandon was easily found on Fire game days as he would stand on a podium and lead chants for his fellow supporters. He used his passion to write a powerful message to fellow Fire fans prior to the start of the 2007 Fire season. His “Stand and Deliver” message has since become Section 8’s creed.
Euan McLean (2000-2009)
Euan David McLean went to his first Chicago Fire game when he was only six months old on opening day April 14, 2001 at Soldier Field. Going to Fire matches was a regular part of his life – he loved Sparky, Humo and watching the games from his regular spot in the stadium next to his parents Ross & Judith, and many friends, always sporting a Fire jersey or scarf.
Euan also attended several of the Chicago Fire and National Sports Center for the Disabled hosted Ability Soccer Camps which he always enjoyed. Euan passed away on December 31, 2009, from complications of his cerebral palsy condition, far too soon for all who loved and knew him.
Al Hack (1951-2010)
Being introduced to the game by a co-worker, Al Hack became a longtime supporter of soccer in Chicago, attending Sting and Power games, as well as attending 1994 World Cup matches at Soldier Field before the Chicago Fire’s inaugural season in 1998. The game of soccer provided a strong familial connection for Al, attending games with his wife Vivian and daughters Nicole and Allie as well as taking up coaching duties for their recreational teams when no one else was available.
Al tragically passed away from a heart attack on February 14, 2010 but his love of the game and the Fire carries on through Vivian, Nicole and Allie and this saying, “A red heart can never be broken.”
Lauren Bovis (1979-2015)
Lauren spoke about the Fire to anyone who would listen - at parties, at lunch, or on the phone. She enjoyed the team’s ups and downs, wins and losses, banter and comments. She was a teacher for eleven years, often using soccer-related themes for her classes. She loved math, as shown in her ability to speak to the team’s stats sometimes with vigor.
Lauren had many great times at Fire games and events with her special soccer friends, Lindsay and Tatiana. She loved the special events and wore her team apparel all of the time, and often gave the items as gifts. The Fire were “her team.” Soccer helped her though many tough times.
Her one wish during her last fight was to go to one more Fire game. She made it and loved it.
