It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of retired President Tom Blecha of Oak Park Firefighters, Local 95. Brother Blecha passed away suddenly on August 6th.
Although this is NOT an activation, Brother Blecha’s family and Local have asked for Honor Guard participation at his walk-through.
Details for Brother Blecha’s walk-through are as follows:
Fire Department Walk-Through: Saturday, August 19th, at 1100hrs, at Heritage Funeral Home- 3117 S. Oak Park Ave., Berwyn, IL 60402. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 1045hrs.
Please do what you can to attend and honor Brother Blecha, his family, and his Local.
Fraternally,
Jay Coburn, Commander
AFFI Honor Guard
(708) 927-6568
[email protected]
The AFFI and our Labor History Committee were honored to have our history displayed at the ABRAHAM LINCOLN Museum and Library in Springfield. The display includes pieces from AFFI Locals through the state of Illinois.
The exhibit will be on display from late July through mid October 2023. Check it out!
Thank you for participating in this year’s AFFI Sox/Cubs Game to benefit MDA. The event was very successful and raised $21,000 for the MDA.
Berwyn Local #506 members did a great job of hosting the tailgate party.
We’d like to extend a special thanks to our sponsors for partnering with the AFFI to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Grand Slam Sponsor
Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois
AFFI Honor Guard
Chicago Firefighters Local #2
Crystal Lake Firefighters Local #3926
Stephen P Kelly Attorney
Illinois AFL-CIO
Home Run Sponsor
Asher, Gittler & D’Alba Ltd
Illinois Firefighters Peer Support
Boone’s Saloon
DeKalb Local #1236
Palatine Local #4588
Wauconda Local 34876
Waukegan Local #473
Triple Play Sponsor
AFFI President Chuck Sullivan
AFFI Secretary-Treasurer Kurt Snow
AFFI VP Luke Howieson
AFFI CD Legislative Director Jeff Maher
Illinois Association of Retired and Disabled Firefighters
Bloomington Local #49
Thanks again for helping to make the fundraiser so successful. Plans are already underway for next year’s event.
Chuck Sullivan, President
Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois
Firefighter Day at MDA Camp is coming up on August 2nd! See the flyer below for details.
The AFFI Labor History Committee will present “Your Union. Your History” at Streamwood Fire Station 31 on July 29th.
Streamwood Firefighters Local 3022 and Barrett Firefighters Local 3982 will host the event. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. No registration is required.
Station 31
1204 S. Park Ave.
Streamwood, IL 60107
0900am- approx 1200
Contact Labor History Committee Chair Matt Hill with any questions.
(815) 671-3852
MAKE HISTORY HAPPEN!
Brothers and Sisters,
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Firefighter/Paramedic Phillip “PhilPal” Palczynski of Arlington Heights, Local 3105. Brother Palczynski passed away Sunday, June 4th. Brother Palczynski was 53 years old and is survived by his wife, Susan, and two children, Kevin, and Kate.
Although this is not an activation, Brother Palczynski’s family and Local have asked for Honor Guard participation.
Brother Palczynski’s services are as follows:
Wake: Monday, June 12th, 2023, from 1500hrs to 2000hrs, at Adams-Winterfield and Sullivan Funeral Home- 4343 Main St., Downers Grove, IL 60515. There will be a firefighter walk-through at 1900hrs. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 1830hrs.
Procession: Tuesday, June 13th, 2023, at 0930hrs, at Adams-Winterfield and Sullivan Funeral Home- 4343 Main St., Downers Grove, IL 60515. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 0900hrs.
Mass: Tuesday, June 13th, 2023, at 1000hrs, at St. Joe’s Church- 4801 Main St., Downers Grove, IL 60515.
The affected Local is in District 5. Jeff Boetto and Leon Lake will be helping Arlington Heights coordinate the services. Please direct any questions you may have to them.
Please do what you can to attend. I know, as always, you will all do Whatever It Takes to Honor, Cherish, Remember, and Salute Brother Palczynski, his family, and his Local.
Fraternally,
Jay Coburn, Commander
AFFI Honor Guard
(708) 927-6568
[email protected]
Dear Member,
Wednesday, August 16, 2023, is AFFI Day at the Illinois State Fair. Please volunteer to help!
Historically the Illinois Fire Services Association (IFSA) has operated a tent for children and adults to preview fire safety information and participate in various fire safety-related games. The AFFI is one of twelve organizations that make up the Illinois Fire Services Association.
Each year organizations are assigned one day to operate the fire service tent. The AFFI day will be Wednesday, August 16, 2023. The duties include monitoring the fire pole, handing out fire prevention material, and showing videos. AFFI members and family members must participate in the process to work smoothly. The tent requires approximately 25 people to operate effectively.
We will need people from 10 am to approximately 5 pm. This event is a great day to bring the family to the Illinois State Fair and represent the AFFI. We encourage individuals to sign up for a half-day (4 hours) or as long as you are willing to attend. Members will receive free admission to the fair and an AFFI shirt.
We have over 30,000 fire prevention items to give away in 10 days. This event continues to be a gratifying and worthwhile endeavor, you and your family are encouraged to join us.
Please email office@affi1935.org or call the office at 217-522-8180 to sign up, and let us know how many people will be participating. We usually receive tickets a couple weeks before our day and will send your ticket(s) and a parking pass to the address you provide in the email.
The AFFI and the organizations that make up the Illinois Fire Services Association appreciate your support of this worthwhile event.
Fraternally,
Art Thompson, District 5 Vice President
AFFI Representative to the Illinois State Fair
Recently the AFFI and The Illinois Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA) have had the opportunity to meet with leaders from the American Railroad Association (ARA). As you know, there have been some recent “newsworthy” derailments across the United States. The ARA asked that we share the attached letter with our membership and let you know about the AskRail app as well as free training (including travel and lodging) offered to first responders. All of the info can be found in the attachment or in the imbedded links.
