Firefighters from all corners of Illinois came together in Springfield to pay tribute to Aurora firefighter Cristian Medrano, who lost his life in the line of duty. During an emotional ceremony, Medrano was honored alongside colleagues recognized for their outstanding service. Fourteen firefighters received the Excellence Award, celebrating their unwavering dedication. Five firefighting units were given Unit Citation Awards for exemplary teamwork, while Certificates of Recognition were presented to twenty-two personnel. Additionally, three individuals received Life Safety Awards, marking their lifesaving efforts. The event underscored the courage and commitment of Illinois’ firefighting community as they continue to protect their communities.
“Today, we gather with gratitude in our hearts as we honor the brave firefighters of Illinois—those who are serving every day and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, said Governor JB Pritzker. “To the families who have lost loved ones, your sacrifice is not forgotten. We hold their memories close and vow to carry their legacies forward with dignity and respect as we support, invest in, and stand beside the fire service.”
“Today, we gather to honor and remember our brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to celebrate the remarkable legacy they have left behind for others to follow,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. “We also take this time to say thank you—thank you to those who serve our communities with courage, pride, and honor. We are safer because you are there for us on our worst days, ready to respond without hesitation.”
- Captain Derek Strohl Buffalo Fire Protection District
- Firefighter/EMT Matthew Nee Chicago Fire Department
- Firefighter/EMT Anthony Torres Chicago Fire Department
- Captain Justin Moffitt Galesburg Fire Department
- Firefighter Tyler Brackett Galesburg Fire Department
- Firefighter Nicholas Morrissey Galesburg Fire Department
- Captain Ryan Reynolds Streator Fire Department
- Lieutenant Edward Levy Streator Fire Department
- Firefighter Russell Callahan Streator Fire Department
- Assistant Chief Cody Rogers Taylorville Fire Department
- Deputy Chief Todd Friddle Wilmington Fire Department
- Lieutenant Dan Rozak Wilmington Fire Department
- Lieutenant Dalton Schulz Wilmington Fire Department
- Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Shroba Wilmington Fire Department
- Lieutenant Jasson Pech
- Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Lyman
- Firefighter/Paramedic Tara Moser
- Firefighter/Paramedic Steve Whited
- Firefighter Kyle Harms
- Firefighter Kyle McGee
- Firefighter Josh Webber
- Battalion Chief Jason McKenna
- Lieutenant Alex Nunez
- Lieutenant John McWilliams
- Firefighter/Paramedic Ben Blonsky
- Firefighter/Paramedic Steve Burnell
- Firefighter/Paramedic Kevin Haltman
- Firefighter/Paramedic Chase Hellinger
- Firefighter/Paramedic Ted Kazeos
- Firefighter/Paramedic Scott Schmidt
- Firefighter Candidate Michael Jack
- Firefighter Candidate Kevin Jacks
- Captain Fred McClellan
- Lieutenant Tim Redd
- Firefighter Jeff Arendell
- Firefighter TJ Renner
- Firefighter Ian Rogers
- Firefighter Lucas Smalley
- Firefighter Andrew Watson
- Firefighter Kobe Wheaton
- Deputy Chief Brett Haller
- Paramedic Field Chief Joseph DiGiovanni
- Paramedic Field Chief David Ernst
- Chief Joshua Light
- Assistant Chief Brandon Dalton
- Captain Breyer Clark
- Lieutenant Billy Dalton
- Firefighter/EMR Charles Risley
- Firefighter/EMT Logan Campbell
- Firefighter/EMT Dustin Dahmer
- Firefighter/EMT Anne Light
- Firefighter/EMT Harold Sweet
- Firefighter Andrew Bonnell
- Firefighter Braeden Dalton
- Firefighter Richard “Red” Davenport
- Firefighter Peyton Deom
- Firefighter Paul Martin
- Firefighter Jason Travis
- Firefighter Steve Walker
- EMT Ladonna Risley
- Dispatcher Sean Lane
- Deputy Devin Graves
- Thomas Langdon, Engineer, Village of Lansing Fire Department
- Aaron Brown, OFSM Personnel- Operations
- James Bentley, OSFM Personnel- Administration
