Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker and State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera joined firefighters in Springfield, Illinois, to honor five fallen firefighters from 2023 and recognize others for their exceptional service at the 31st Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony.

"Today, we honored some of our bravest public servants, our fallen firefighters," stated Governor JB Pritzker. "They gave their lives to offer us protection and comfort in our hardest moments—something we will never forget."

State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera added, "We pay tribute to those who selflessly gave their all, embodying the true essence of heroism."

Chuck Sullivan, President of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI), expressed gratitude for the annual recognition: "This annual memorial allows all of us to pause and remember the fallen and their families."

The ceremony honored Chicago Fire Department's Jermaine Pelt, Andrew "Drew" Price, Jan Tchoryk, Kevin Ward, and Maroa Countryside Fire Protection District Chief Larry Peasley for their sacrifices. Their names will be engraved at the memorial.

Eight firefighters received the Medal of Honor for outstanding bravery or heroism:

- Jakub Majka

- James Pienta

- William Perry

- David Browning

- Drew Pals

- Brett Repking

- Dan Kocher

- Ryan Lee

Four were awarded the Medal of Valor:

- Bryan Velez

- Clay Childers

- Nicholas Hansen

- Tobias Roderick

Captain Matt Hornbuckle received the Firefighter Excellence Award. Four units were recognized with Unit Citation Awards for excellence in teamwork:

1. Belvidere Fire Department

2. Midlothian Fire Department (two incidents)

3. Minooka Fire Protection District

Lieutenant Jason Sipes was acknowledged with a Certificate of Recognition. The Life Safety Award went to O'Fallon Fire Protection District personnel Michael Douglas and JC Fultz.

The awards recognized heroic actions during 2023 as reviewed by the Illinois Fire Fighting Medal of Honor Committee.