Passing of Chicago L2 Member Pickering

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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

New Member Conference Blog

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Thank you so much for the amazing opportunity of being able to attend the AFFI New Member Conference. This conference was informational and motivational. Not only did I get a more in depth look at Tier 2 pension but I now have a way better understanding of the importance of the PAC committee, and the importance of being politically motivated. I will be sharing what I have learned at this conference with members of our local and I will also express the NEED for us younger members to be involved. As they said at the Conference it just takes us to lose sight of the importance of our Great Local and our state can fall like many states have and become a right to work state. This conference made me so proud to be a Local 1544 member.

Thanks

Baumgartner

Lockport Township Firefighters Local 1544

Honor Guard Activation

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Brothers and Sisters,

I know earlier in the week I sent the notice of the passing of Brother Truevillian from Chicago, L2. Brother Truevillian, 55, passed away on December 17th from COVID-19. I know that in that notice, you were all told his services were incomplete and that a memorial service would take place at a later date.

Since that notice, we have received additional information. On the orders of President Sullivan, the AFFI Honor Guard has been activated. I know this is short notice, but I hope you will all do whatever you can to help us honor Brother Truevillian, his family, and his Local.

His services are as follow:

VISITATION: Sunday, December 27th, 2020 at Russo Hillside Chapels- 4500 Roosevelt Rd. Hillside, IL 60162 from 1500-2000hrs. There will be a fire department walk-thru at 1900hrs. Honor Guard members are asked to arrive no later than 1830hrs. Please make sure you have a plain black mask to wear. We ask that you remain outside until the walk-thru, and maintain appropriate social distance.

SERVICE: Monday, December 28th, 2020 at Russo Hillside Chapels- 4500 Roosevelt Rd. Hillside, IL 60162 at 1100hrs. Services will be streamed at: vimeo.com/494181537

INTERMENT: Monday, December 28th, 2020 at Oakridge-Glen Oak Cemetery- 4301 W. Roosevelt Rd. Hillside, IL 60162 immediately following the service.

If you have any questions, please route them thru the Honor Guard Chain of Command. I know that even in these difficult times, and under these circumstances, we will all do “Whatever it Takes” to Honor, Cherish, Remember, and Salute Brother Truevillian, his family, and his Local.

Fraternally,
Jay Coburn, State Commander
Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard
927 S Second St
Springfield, IL  62704
(708) 927-6568
[email protected]
affihonorguard.com

Passing of Central District Vice President Emeritus Joe Garrison

The AFFI is saddened by the news of the passing of Central District Vice President Emeritus Joe Garrison. Joe was a proud member of Champaign Firefighters Local 1260. His service will be Tuesday, December 29th from 5p-7p at the Morgan Funeral Home in Savoy.

LODD Activation for Dylan Cunningham

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By orders of AFFI President Chuck Sullivan, the AFFI Honor Guard has been activated for the line of duty death of South Holland Local #4109 Firefighter/Paramedic Dylan Cunningham. Brother Cunningham passed on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 after suffering a medical emergency during a training exercise.  Brother Cunningham was a member of the AFFI Honor Guard, having been inducted in 2019.

Please bring local flags, pikes and axes for use at the services. As previously directed, all Honor Guard members should wear a plain black mask at all times.  Additional precautions for each facility will be discussed prior to the services.

Arrangements for Dylan Cunningham are as follow:

Visitation:  Tuesday October 6 from 1pm – 8pm at Smits Funeral Home located at 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane in Dyer, IN 46311

Firefighter Walk-Thru:  Line up at 6:00pm, walk thru at 7pm

Funeral Service: Wednesday, October 7 at 11:00am at Smits Funeral Home. Honor Guard members should assemble no later than 10:00am.

Procession to South Holland Station 43 then to St. John Catholic Church in Glenwood.

Jay Coburn, State Commander
Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard
927 S Second
Springfield, IL  62704
(708) 927-6568
[email protected]
affihonorguard.com

Letter to the Editor (Chicago Tribune) – President Sullivan

When the call comes in about the next emergency, we are in immediate motion. From structure fires to vehicle accidents to medical emergencies, our firefighters and emergency medical technicians are often the first on the scene.

The coronavirus crisis doesn’t change our members’ desire to put their lives on the line to help others. It’s what we take an oath to do. But it does make everyone think twice as they head to the scene.

What if this patient is unconscious or there is a language barrier? How will we know if we are exposing ourselves and our families to this deadly virus?

In Chicago and other Illinois communities, there is a debate about providing first responders notice if a residential address we are responding to has someone who is COVID-19-positive. The reason is obvious: If we know the disease is present when we respond, we can prepare and wear extra protective gear.

Our association has urged its more than 15,000 members in 224 communities to treat each patient as having COVID-19, to protect themselves. But we agree with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul: Each community has the authority under Illinois law to institute these necessary protective protocols, and firefighters and emergency medical services personnel should receive these patient notifications.

The more information we have as we prepare to respond, the better the outcome for all involved. When someone calls 911 for help, we want to be able to administer the best care possible and keep everyone safe and healthy. We always have and always will respect everyone’s privacy. It’s one of the reasons why our profession is consistently rated as one of the most trusted and ethical in America.

 

— Chuck Sullivan, president, Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, Springfield

Chicago Local 2 – Brotherhood of the Barrel

Debit Authorization Form (Local Per Cap)