Office of Illinois State Fire Marshal hosting 33rd Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is hosting the 33rd Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service and Medal of Honor Ceremony.

Members from the fire service will meet at the fallen firefighter memorial to honor Chicago Fire Department Captain David Meyer who died in the line-of-duty in 2025 and those who have died in the line-of-duty in the past.

After the service, members will assemble at the Bank of Springfield Center to honor those who sacrificed to protect their communities during 2025.

A Chicago Firefighter will get the Medal of Honor. The Firefighting Medal of Honor is the highest award given by the State of Illinois to a firefighter for an act of outstanding bravery or heroism, by which the firefighter has demonstrated in great degree the characteristics of selflessness, personal courage above and beyond the call of duty under adverse conditions, with the possibility of extreme personal risk.

Four firefighters will receive the Medal of Valor. Those receiving the award are from the Addison, Elmwood Park and Normal Fire Departments. The Firefighting Medal of Valor is given by the State of Illinois to a firefighter for an act of heroism or bravery, which clearly demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger while in the performance of duty.

Thirteen firefighters will receive the Firefighter Excellence Award for an act of service in the line of duty, demonstrating excellence and professionalism in service to their fellow Illinoisans. Recipients are from Alsip, Channahon, Chicago Heights, Elmwood Park, Joliet, LaGrange, Orland Park, Springfield and Washington Fire Departments.

Six Unit Citations Awards will be presented to members for an act of service in the line of duty, demonstrating excellence, teamwork, and professionalism in service to the citizens of the State of Illinois. Members receiving this award are from the Bolingbrook, LaGrange, Marion, Monmouth, River Grove and Springfield Fire Departments.

One firefighter will receive a Certificate of Recognition that acknowledges those nominated for their dedication to the principles and traditions of the fire service, to the state and the community, with honor and integrity. The recipient is from the Springfield Fire Department.

The memorial event will be at 10 a.m. at the Firefighter Memorial on the State Capitol Grounds in Springfield. The Medal of Honor Ceremony will follow at the Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield.