Prairie State Wire

State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera and members of the Illinois Fire Service gathered in Springfield to honor a fallen firefighter from Aurora and recognize distinguished service by others at the 32nd Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony.

Governor JB Pritzker addressed the gathering, stating, "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." He acknowledged families who have lost loved ones, assuring them that their sacrifices are not forgotten.

Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera also spoke, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who have sacrificed their lives and thanking current firefighters for their courage and dedication. "We are safer because you are there for us on our worst days," he said.

The ceremony honored Cristian Medrano, a fallen firefighter whose memory was commemorated with a brick placed on the memorial. The Illinois Firefighter Memorial is dedicated to those who have given their lives in service and those who continue to serve with distinction.

Fourteen firefighters received the Firefighter Excellence Award for acts demonstrating excellence and professionalism. Among them were Captain Derek Strohl from Buffalo Fire Protection District and several members from Chicago, Galesburg, Streator, Taylorville, and Wilmington fire departments.

Additionally, five units received the Firefighter Excellence "Unit Citation" Awards for teamwork and professionalism during specific incidents. These included teams from Bolingbrook, Galesburg, Lincolnshire Riverwoods, Streator, and Taylorville fire departments.

Twenty-two emergency personnel were awarded Certificates of Recognition for their dedication to fire service principles. Recipients came from various districts including Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District and Rural Pope EMS.

Three individuals received the State Fire Marshal Life Safety Award for extraordinary efforts in fire prevention: Thomas Langdon from Village of Lansing Fire Department; Aaron Brown from OFSM Personnel- Operations; and James Bentley from OSFM Personnel- Administration.

The awards recognized heroic actions performed during 2024. Nominations were reviewed by the Illinois Fire Fighting Medal of Honor Committee.