Explore Naperville's Firefighting History This Weekend at Naper Settlement

Show your support for Naperville's Fire Department and celebrate the history of Naperville's firefighters during Firefighter's Appreciation Day this weekend at Naper Settlement.

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Visitors will be able to get an up close look at both modern day as well as historic firefighter equipment and vehicles from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at Naper Settlement.

Along with displaying historic firefighting artifacts, the museum will heat things with a chili cook-off featuring the best in local firehouse cooking.

Cook-off judges include Naperville Councilman Grant Wehrli, Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis, firefighter/paramedic John Sergeant, Dan Casey, owner of Casey’s Foods, and Jane Solomon, former member of the Naperville Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary.

The first prize is $300, second prize is $150 and third prize is $50.

“It’s a great opportunity for the public to come out and see the different generations of fire apparatus, old and new, and to talk to the firefighters who will be there," said retired Naperville firefighter Mike Andler in a press release.

The family-friendly event is included with regular admission and is free for Naperville residents, Naperville Heritage Society members and city of Naperville firefighting personnel and their families. 

For more information, visit www.napersettlement.museum or call (630) 420-6010.