Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony

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.

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, working with the Secretary of State's office and a nationally recognized sculptor, developed a memorial in which the fire service of Illinois will be proud. The artist designed and constructed an original bronze work of art consisting of four life-size figures of firefighters in full gear, a child, a ladder, and hose. Each adult figure is approximately 6ft 2in tall if in a standing position and represents the firefighters in full protective clothing, in action. The art was created through the "lost wax" method of bronze casting and is finished in an antique bronze fire-on patina suitable for exterior exhibition, signed and dated by the artist. The figures are situated on a cairn 14 feet high consisting of Renaissance stone. There are 2,400 red paver bricks which are enclosed by a 2 foot wall with capstones engraved with contributor's names.

It is here each year, at the Illinois Firefighter Memorial, that we honor those who have made the supreme sacrifice. The Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighter Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony is held each year in early May.