Tanis and Susan Merkle of Hinsdale watch as the 17th annual Firefighter's Silent Parade passes by. The parade honors those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. | Steve Johnston~for Sun-Times Media

Fire emergency vehicles make their way down Chicago Avenue during the annual Firefighter's Silent Parade. | Steve Johnston~for Sun-Times Media

Downers Grove Fire Department Battalion Chief Dan Mejdrech gets ready to lead the way for the 17th annual Firefighter's Silent Parade. | Steve Johnston~for Sun-Times Media

Firefighters from around the area gather at the Hinsdale Fire Department Friday for the 17th annual Firefighter's Silent Parade. The parade honors those who have lost their lives in the line of duty such as Hinsdale Deputy Chief Mark Johnson, whose photo

Hinsdale Deputy Fire Chief Mark Johnson was among those remembered Friday during the 17th annual Firefighters Silent Parade. | Steve Johnston~for Sun-Times Media