Firefighter Christopher A. Bilger

North Syracuse Fire Department

Date of Death: September 21, 1987

Christopher A. Bilger joined the North Syracuse Fire Department in 1986, following in the footsteps of his stepfather, Ron Forss. Young and eager to learn, he quickly proved his dedication and proudly earned his “black hat” after completing rookie training. In the early morning of September 20, 1987, the department was dispatched to a reported apartment fire with people trapped. A second call then came in for a serious motor vehicle accident. The fire was later determined to be a false, malicious alarm, but the accident was real. While responding, Firefighter Bilger lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree. Fellow firefighters worked tirelessly to save him, but he succumbed to his injuries thirteen hours later at just 20 years old. Chris’s sacrifice has never been forgotten. Each September, members gather at his resting place to honor him, and senior firefighters continue to share his story with new members. His photograph hangs in every station, his name appears on department plaques, and his legacy lives on through the annual Christopher A. Bilger Firefighter of the Year Award.