About Us
Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard
“Whatever It Takes”
The AFFI Honor Guard Oath was Written by Commander Thomas J. Matousek, Forest Park Local 2753
On January 30, 1993, Illinois union rank and file firefighters from across the state came together in Springfield to try something new. Something that some would say could not be done, because it had never been done before. That was to organize a statewide firefighter honor guard and as a line of duty death benefit, assist and guide in the conducting and performance of fallen firefighter line of duty funeral services. We inducted our colors, the AFFI flag and the AFFI Honor Guard flag, presented honor guard rocker patches for the uniform and asked 69 firefighters to uphold and maintain the traditions of the fire service.
The AFFI Honor Guard was the first statewide honor guard in the IAFF, and today is the largest, non-military honor guard in the United States with over 600 members.
AFFI Honor Guard History
THE OATH
January 30th, 1993
"IN-SEVICE DATE"
69 Charter Members gather at the Illinois State Armory in Springfield, IL for the first training and induction ceremony of the AFFI Honor Guard.
By an oversight, Commander Jay Bishop was not inducted on this day, but would be in 2003.
The Charter Members joined under a 3-year commitment to the Honor Guard.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission statement of the AFFI Honor Guard shall be to:
A. Promote the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, the Locals therein, and the fire service as a whole, to the public, in a positive and proper fashion.
B. Provide, as a line of duty death benefit, dignified, honorable services for fallen AFFI members, their surviving family members, and union brothers and sisters, through organization of, and participation in, funeral and memorial services.
COMMAND HISTORY
Jay E. Bishop- Springfield Local 37
Founder and First State Commander
1993-2006
Thomas J. Matousek, Jr- Forest Park Local 2753
Charter Member and 2nd State Commander
2006-2011
Jeff H. Bruno- Kankakee Local 653
3rd State Commander
2011-2019
Jay Coburn- Matteson Local 3086
Present State Commander
2019-Present
AFFI Flag
Red Symbolizes Fire
Blue Symbolizes Water
Gold Symbolizes Our Wealth of Knowledge
Maltese- Symbolizes the Firefighter
AFFI Honor Guard Flag
White Symbolizes Life
Black Symbolizes Death
Grey Symbolizes Mourning
Gold Symbolizes Honor
Maltese Symbolizes a Broken Heart (What we feel during a loss)
8th District
The AFFI Honor Guard Pipes and Drums were established as the 8th District in 2001.
ITEMS ISSUED UPON INDUCTION
Rocker- Left shoulder above Department patch, approx. 3/4” down from seam, centered
Lapel Pin- (Unit Crest) Right breast, worn above all others
Aiguillette- Left Shoulder
Black cord out = Memorials, AFFI members non-LODD, & LODD non-AFFI members
White cord out = Ceremonies, Parades, Color Postings
Both cords out = AFFI LODD Ceremonies
Hackle/Dog Tags- 8th District, in lieu of aiguillette
ID- Optional. Must send picture and fee to John Merino (Bolingbrook L 3005)
MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES AND ANNUAL EVENTS
Membership- $50 one time initiation fee
Dues- $25 yearly fee
Training-
AFFI Honor Guard Drill & Ceremony Manual
Minimum 6 scheduled each year, must attend 3 to attend Convention
8th District Pipes & Drums inducted after 1st year, must apply March-July
Ceremonies-
AFFI Honor Guard Convention
Illinois Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial & Medal of Honor – Springfield, IL
IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial- Colorado Springs, CO
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND ACTIVATION CHAIN
From Local President
To AFFI President: Chuck Sullivan
To Honor Guard Commander: Jay Coburn
To Deputy State Commanders:
John Merino Moss (North)
Curt Moffitt (South)
To District Commanders
To District 1st Shirts
To Drill Captains
To Members
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
LINKS
AFFI Podcast
CONTACT US
927 S. Second Street
Springfield IL 62704
(217) 522-8180
Email: [email protected]