Governor Rauner Pays Tribute to Firefighters Who Died in the Line of Duty

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner attended the 23rd Annual Illinois Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony today at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. The service honors the men and women who have died in the line of duty while protecting the people of Illinois.

"Every day, Illinois firefighters put themselves in harm's way and their lives on the line to protect the people of Illinois," Governor Rauner said. "Unfortunately, some of these brave men and women pay the ultimate sacrifice. It's important to remember and honor these fallen heroes to ensure they are never forgotten."

Four firefighters died in the line of duty in the past year:

• Daniel V. Capuano - Chicago Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic
• Fidel G. Serrano, Jr. - Chicago Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic
• Mark Zielinski, Sr. - Matteson Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic
• Kenneth J. Lehr - Medora Fire Protection District Chief

The Illinois Firefighter Memorial is dedicated to the firefighters of Illinois who have died in the line of duty, and to the firefighters who bravely serve each day protecting the lives and property of Illinois residents.

Attached pictures may be published.

Illinois Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony 1
Illinois Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony 2
Illinois Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony 3
Illinois Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony 4

Broadcast-quality video available for download will be posted here: https://www.illinois.gov/cms/agency/media/video/sitepages/videos.aspx