BMO Harris Bank, in partnership with the Ende, Menzer, Walsh & Quinn Retirees', Widows' & Children's Assistance Fund and Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2, announced the establishment of a memorial fund to benefit the family of Walter Patmon, who died in the line of duty over the past weekend.
"This tragic event - the second in the past two weeks - reminds us of the risks and sacrifices made by firefighters each and every day," said Judy Rice, Senior Vice President and Head of Community Affairs and Government Relations, BMO Harris Bank. "My colleagues and I are proud to open a bank account in Walter Patmon's honor, and we encourage people to visit a local branch and make a donation. We are also working on making an initial donation to the fund."
"The City of Chicago lost a very dedicated and well-liked member of the department. The City again comes together to honor a true public servant, and to be there for his family, and for this, the entire Chicago Fire Department family is again grateful," said Tony Martin, Lieutenant, Chicago Fire Department. "We're also grateful to BMO Harris Bank for their concern and kindness in remembering Chicago's first responders by establishing this memorial fund in Walter's name and by their pending financial contribution to Walter's memorial fund."
All BMO Harris locations are currently accepting cash or check donations from customers or the general public, with donations going towards supporting Walter's family. Checks can be made payable to the Walter Patmon Memorial Fund. The account number for the fund is 4811970829.
Donations can also be made online at www.widowsandchildren.org. Donation acknowledgement forms will be generated for all contributions of $250 or more in accordance with the Internal Revenue Service guidelines. Individuals needing tax receipts will be required to use a check.
Donations can also be made via mail to:
BMO Harris Bank - Community Affairs Department
111 W. Monroe
Chicago, IL 60603
The account is being established through the Ende, Menzer, Walsh & Quinn Retirees', Widows' and Children's Assistance Fund: An IRS established (501c3) charitable organization whose mission is to provide financial assistance to the neediest widows and children of Chicago firefighters and paramedics.
About BMO Harris Bank:
Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 600 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank SM is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.
