Illinois Fallen Firefighter Remembered and Firefighters Honored for Distinguished Service to their Communities

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele L. Pankow and members from the Illinois Fire Service gathered today to honor and remember a fallen Chicago Fire Department Captain and recognize those who went above and beyond their duties at the 33rd Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony.

“It is my honor to recognize our state’s courageous firefighters and the sacrifices they make every day to protect their fellow Illinoisans,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We will never forget the lives and legacies of our fallen firefighters, and we will always celebrate Illinois’ elite fire service members for their unparalleled acts of bravery in the line of duty.”

“We gather today to honor our fallen brothers and sisters and commit to never forget the sacrifice they have made. We stand shoulder to shoulder showing that the fire service is truly a family to all who wear this uniform,” said State Fire Marshal Pankow. “These men and women answered the call to serve without hesitation, placing the safety of others above their own. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness represent the very best of the fire service and will continue to guide us in how we live, work, and serve. As we remember them today, we also reaffirm our responsibility to support their families, to care for one another, and to uphold the values they embodied every time they put on the uniform. Their sacrifice is not forgotten, and their legacy lives on in every firefighter who continues the mission.”

Fallen brother Captain David Meyer was honored for his sacrifice during the fallen firefighter memorial. The memory of this brave man will never be forgotten, and his brick was placed on the memorial to remember and honor his courage, bravery and service to his community. The Illinois Firefighter Memorial is dedicated to the firefighters of Illinois, who have given their lives in the line of duty and to those firefighters who heroically serve with courage, pride and honor.

Two Firefighters received the Medal of Honor. The 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 and personal courage above and beyond the call of duty, under adverse conditions, with the possibility of extreme personal risk.

• Firefighter/EMT Kevin McNicholas Chicago Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Gino Casciola Addison Fire Protection District

Three Firefighters received the Medal of Valor. The Medal of Valor award is given by the State of Illinois to a firefighter for an act of heroism or bravery that clearly demonstrated courage and dedication in the face of danger while in the performance of duty.

• Firefighter Derek DeRose Elmwood Park Fire Department
• Lieutenant Matthew Hill Normal Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Nathan Riordan Normal Fire Department

Thirteen firefighters received 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 include:

• Lieutenant Richard Kraus Alsip Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Highbaugh Channahon Fire Protection District
• Lieutenant Jason Irwin Chicago Heights Fire Department
• Lieutenant Steve Koenig Chicago Heights Fire Department
• Firefighter Jeff Joncha Elmwood Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Kellen Kmiecik Elmwood Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Nick Mourning Elmwood Park Fire Department
• Battalion Chief Dan Berta Joliet Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Cody Boll LaGrange Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Chuck Crudele LaGrange Fire Department
• Lieutenant/Paramedic Mark Hogan Orland Park Fire Department
• Firefighter Austin Muench Springfield Fire Department
• Fire Chief Tyler Gee Washington Fire Department

In addition, six units received the Firefighter Excellence "Unit Citation" Awards for an act of service in the line of duty, demonstrating excellence, teamwork, and professionalism in service to Illinois residents. Recipients include:

Bolingbrook Fire Department Incident #25-03188

• Lieutenant Joseph Valach
• Firefighter/Paramedic Christian Abarca
• Firefighter/Paramedic John Biederman
• Firefighter/Paramedic Blake Coughlin
• Firefighter/Paramedic Brandon Roat

LaGrange Fire Department #25-1821

• Captain James Baum
• Firefighter Chris Conrad
• Probationary Firefighter Timothy Trocke

Marion Fire Department #25-01062

• Captain Chad Schmid
• Firefighter Aaron Pritchett
• Firefighter Benjamin Schultz

Monmouth Fire Department Incident #25-832

• Assistant Chief Craig Cozadd
• Captain Ryan Armstrong
• Captain Paul Mangieri
• Firefighter Kyle Martin

River Grove Fire Department #25-1488

• Captain Richard Raffin
• Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Kuryla
• Firefighter/Paramedic Marcos Metalios
• Firefighter/Paramedic Salvatore Valentini

Springfield Fire Department

• Captain Jason English
• Driver/Engineer Mike Joyner
• Driver/Engineer Tyler Sitko
• Firefighter Jacob Crowley
• Firefighter Andre Curtis
• Firefighter Pat English
• Firefighter Talon Kellum
• Firefighter Amanda Laager
• Firefighter Chris Macomber

One firefighter was awarded the Certificate of Recognition which 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.

Springfield Fire Department

• Captain Joshua Mifflin

The State Fire Marshal Life Safety Award is given in recognition of the extraordinary efforts performed by individuals in furtherance of fire prevention and life safety. Two Life Safety Awards were presented. Recipients include:

• Assistant Chief Chris Wesley, Robinson Fire Department
• John Lynch, OFSM Fire Inspector II

The awards presented today recognized heroic actions during 2025. Nominations were reviewed and winners selected by the Illinois Fire Fighting Medal of Honor Committee.

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