See the following press release from the Skokie Fire Department regarding the service for Brother Andy Cutting.
Brothers and Sisters,
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the Line of Duty Death of Engineer Jami Lusher of Pekin, Local 524. Brother Lusher passed away Monday, October 17th from colon cancer. Brother Lusher was 49 years old. He is survived by his wife and two children.
By orders of AFFI President Chuck Sullivan, the AFFI Honor Guard is activated.
Although this is an activation, the family has asked that the services be of a more private nature, with participation being limited to local departments and first responders. For this reason, we are asking that only 3rd District membersof the AFFI Honor Guard attend.
Brother Lusher’s services are as follows:
Visitation: Friday, October 21st, 2022, from 1600hrs to 1900hrs at Henderson Funeral Home- 2131 Velde Dr., Pekin, IL 61554. There will be a uniformed personnel walk through at 1800hrs. 3rd District Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 1700hrs.
Funeral: Saturday, October 22nd, 2022, at 1300hrs at Henderson Funeral Home- 2131 Velde Dr., Pekin, IL 61554. The family has asked that the service be limited to local surrounding departments.
Please do whatever you can to attend as requested and honor the family’s wishes. Make sure you have a plain black mask. I don’t know if there will be any restrictions in place, but everyone should be prepared. I know, as always, you will all do Whatever It Takes to Honor, Cherish, Remember, and Salute Brother Lusher, his family, and his Local.
Fraternally,
Jay Coburn, Commander
AFFI Honor Guard
(708) 927-6568
[email protected]
Brothers and Sisters,
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of retired Firefighter/Paramedic Michael R. “Mike” Baldwin of Downers Grove, Local 3234. Brother Baldwin retired about two months ago to become a pediatric nurse. He passed away Saturday, January 22nd. Brother Baldwin was 39 years old and was previously an active member of the AFFI Honor Guard. He leaves behind a wife and four children.
Although this is NOT an activation, Brother Baldwin’s family and Local have requested Honor Guard attendance at his services. His services are as follows:
Wake: Thursday, January 27th from 1500hrs to 2100hrs at Malone Funeral Home- 324 E. State St., Geneva, IL 60134. There will be a Fire Department walk through at 1830hrs. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 1800hrs. There is limited room inside the funeral home so please plan on remaining outside except for the walk through (forecast calls for a low of 7o Thursday). Local 3234 may be looking for assistance with Casket Guard. More information will follow if they need support.
Funeral Service: Friday, January 28th at 1100hrs at Chapelstreet Church- 3435 Keslinger Rd., Geneva, IL 60134. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 1000hrs.
Please do what you can to attend and honor Brother Baldwin, his family, and his Local. Please make sure you have a plain black mask. I don’t know if there will be restrictions in place, but everyone should be prepared. Please bring tools and Local flags Friday for the services.
Fraternally
Jay Coburn, Commander
AFFI Honor Guard
Brothers and Sisters,
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Firefighter/Paramedic Alexander Gard of Naperville, Local 4302. Brother Gard passed away October 30th in a vehicle accident.
Although this is NOT an activation, Naperville and Brother Gard’s family are asking for Honor Guard attendance at his services. His services are as follows:
Mass: Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 1000hrs. There will be a fire department walk through only. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 0900hrs- Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, St. Julian Eymard location, 601 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Please do what you can to attend and show Brother Gard, his family, and his Local your respect.
Fraternally,
Jay Coburn, Commander
AFFI Honor Guard
(708) 927-6568
[email protected]
affi1935.org/honorguard
Brothers and Sisters,
It is with great sadness I inform you of the passing of Firefighter/Paramedic Tom Bauer of the Des Plaines Fire Department.
Although this is NOT an activation, Des Plaines is asking for Honor Guard attendance at FF/PM Bauer’s services. His services are as follows:
Wake: Thursday, October 28th, 1300hrs-2000hrs at Oehler Funeral Home- 2099 Miner St., Des Plaines, IL 60016. There will be a fire department walk through at 1900hrs. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 1830hrs.
Wake/Service: Friday, October 29th, 0900-1000hrs with a service at 1000hrs at Oehler Funeral Home- 2099 Miner St., Des Plaines, IL 60016.
Procession: Immediately following the service, to Memory Gardens Cemetery- 2501 East Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Graveside service upon arrival.
Please do what you can to attend and show FF/PM Bauer, his family, and his department your respect.
Jay Coburn, Commander
AFFI Honor Guard
(708) 927-6568
[email protected]
affi1935.org/honorguard
Brothers and Sisters,
It is with great sadness I inform you of the passing of Battalion Chief Gavin Hayes of the Geneva Fire Department. B/C Hayes was a charter member of Local 4287, and previously served on their Executive Board.
Although this is NOT an activation, Geneva is asking for Honor Guard attendance at B/C Hayes’ services. His services are as follows:
Wake: Friday October 22, 1500hrs-2000hrs at Chapelstreet Church- 3435 Keslinger Road, Geneva IL 60134. There will be a fire department walk through at 1900hrs. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 1830hrs.
Service: Saturday October 23, 1200hrs at Chapelstreet Church- 3435 Keslinger Road, Geneva IL 60134.
Fire Department Honor Procession: Immediately following the service, to Oak Hill Cemetery- 799 N Bennett St., Geneva, IL 60134. Please contact the Geneva Fire Department if fire service apparatus will be participating in the procession.
Any questions should be directed to B/C Rod Johnson at Geneva Fire, (224) 760-9535.
Please do what you can to attend and show B/C Hayes, his family, and his department your respect.
Fraternally,
Jay Coburn, Commander
AFFI Honor Guard
(708) 927-6568
[email protected]
affi1935.org/honorguard
Brothers and Sisters,
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the Line of Duty Death of Brother Michael R. Pickering of Chicago, Local 2.
The AFFI Honor Guard has been activated by order of President Chuck Sullivan.
Brother Pickering was 45 years old and passed away October 8, 2021 after contracting COVID-19.
His Services are as follows:
VISITATION: Friday, October 15, 2021 from 1500-2000hrs at Hann Funeral Home- 8230 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview, IL 60455. There will be a Firefighter Walk-Through at 1900hrs. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 1800hrs.
SERVICE: Saturday, October 16th, 2021 at 1000hrs at Hann Funeral Home- 8230 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview, IL 60455. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 0900hrs.
INTERMENT: Saturday, October 16th, 2021 immediately following the services, at Resurrection Cemetery- 7200 Archer Rd., Justice, IL 60458.
Please bring tools and Local flags to use as requested and please make sure you have a plain black mask for all services.
I know, like always, you will all do Whatever it Takes to Honor, Cherish, Remember, and Salute Brother Pickering, his family, and his Local.
Fraternally,
Jay Coburn, Commander
AFFI Honor Guard
(708) 927-6568
[email protected]
affi1935.org/honorguard
Brothers and Sisters,
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Brother Adam VanEvery of LaGrange, Local 2338 and formerly with Blue Island Local 3547. Brother VanEvery passed away 5/19/21. He was 37 years old.
Although this is NOT an activation, Brother VanEvery’s Local and family would like Honor Guard members to participate in his services.
His services are as follows:
VISITATION: Sunday, May 23rd, 1200-1900hrs at Hallowell and James Funeral Home- 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside, IL 60525.
There will be a Firefighter Walk-Through at 1800hrs. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 1730hrs.
LaGrange is also looking for help with Casket Guard for the duration of the visitation.
All other services will be private.
Any questions should be directed to 5th District Commander Jeff Boetto 815-483-6097
Please do what you can to attend and Honor Brother VanEvery, his family, and the LaGrange and Blue Island locals.
Fraternally,
Jay Coburn
