Rep. Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) | Photo Courtesy of Amy Elik
Rep. Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) | Photo Courtesy of Amy Elik
A moment of silence in the House last week and a resolution recently introduced by Rep. Amy Elik (R-Pawnee) honored the memory of Captain Jake Ringering, a Godfrey firefighter who perished while fighting a structure fire in March of 2019.
Ringering lost his life after a wall in the structure collapsed, killing him and injuring two others. House Joint Resolution 91 proposes that Ringering's memory be honored through a memorial highway along West Delmar Avenue between Staten Drive and Valhalla Cemetery. The stretch is approximately two miles.
The representative said that Godfrey deeply mourned the loss of Ringering, and that the memorial highway was an initiative from the Godfrey mayor.
"[I] feel this memorial highway is a fitting tribute to him and pays respect to him permanently in the Village of Godfrey," Elik said.
Ringering began his firefighting service in 2001 and joined Godfrey Fire in 2010, where he acquired the rank of lieutenant and then captain. He was the lead instructor for the Godfrey Fire Protection District and taught fire science at Lewis and Clark Community College.
Ringering was 37 when he lost his life.
"Jake Ringering was truly a public servant and countless individuals are alive today because of his service to the community," Elik said.
The resolution moves to Senate Assignments after being adopted in the House.
Alerts Sign-up