Illinois to honor fallen firefighters, recognize acts of bravery at annual ceremony
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal will host the 33rd Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service and Medal of Honor Ceremony on Tuesday, May 12, to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty and recognize acts of bravery and service across the state.
The memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. at the Firefighter Memorial on the State Capitol grounds in Springfield, weather permitting. A Medal of Honor ceremony will follow at the Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza.
Firefighters from across Illinois will gather to honor Chicago Fire Department Capt. David Meyer, who died in the line of duty in 2025, along with other fallen firefighters.
During the ceremony, one Chicago firefighter will receive the Firefighting Medal of Honor, the state’s highest award for extraordinary bravery and heroism in the line of duty.
Four firefighters from the Addison, Elmwood Park and Normal fire departments will receive the Medal of Valor for acts of courage and dedication while performing their duties.
Thirteen firefighters from departments including Alsip, Channahon, Chicago Heights, Elmwood Park, Joliet, LaGrange, Orland Park, Springfield and Washington will receive the Firefighter Excellence Award for professionalism and service in the line of duty.
Six Unit Citation Awards also will be presented to members of the Bolingbrook, LaGrange, Marion, Monmouth, River Grove and Springfield fire departments for teamwork and professionalism during emergency response efforts.
In addition, one Springfield firefighter will receive a Certificate of Recognition for dedication to the traditions and principles of the fire service.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal said a full list of award recipients will be released Tuesday morning.
For more information, contact JC Fultz, public information officer for the Office of the State Fire Marshal, at 217-685-2041 or jc.fultz@illinois.gov.
