Park Terrace celebrated those who repaired the complex after devastating fire

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) thanked over 20 different agencies and people who helped repair the Park Terrace apartment building after a devastating fire on October 17th.

Around 170 residents were displaced because of the fire. The building’s repairs took several weeks.

Some of the agencies that were recognized were Rockford Police, Rockford Fire, Rockford Public Library and Rockford’s Mass Transit District.

RHA’s CEO Laura Snyder said the effects of the fire are still being felt five months later.

“It’s fantastic to see how many people came together in the early morning hours of October 17th,” said Snyder. “Then, not only that day, but also for the 17 days beyond that, and still yet today because a lot of our residents are still being serviced today, because of that tragedy.”

David Marshall, 46, confessed to the arson at Park Terrace high rise and Wired Cafe on October 23rd.

Fire investigators determined the fire originated in a first-floor office on the south side of the high rise. Investigators also received security footage from Rockford Public Housing Authority that showed a black male, wearing a tan jacket and Green Bay Packers hat, breaking into the entrance and the office.

He proceeded to leave the scene, according to court records.

After further investigation, Police determined Marshall was the suspect. Authorities found Marshall walking downtown a couple of hours after the fire at the high rise and took him into custody.

Fire investigators and an Illinois State Fire Marshall Special Agent interviewed Marshall, who confessed to starting the fire at the high-rise on October 17th and Wired Cafe on October 7th.

One firefighter and four residents were hurt during the fire.

RFD Chief Michele Pankow said the firefighter and residents who were hurt sustained minor injuries and were sent to the hospital.

Other residents on higher floors in the building said they were stuck at first, but were eventually able to get down. The Fire Department said the building housed approximately 170 residents who were evacuated and rehoused.

Marshall is charged with arson to personal property, aggravated arson with people present and criminal fire damage.