Kankakee Times

Kankakee firefighters heard their praises sung along with those of their comrades throughout the state during a ceremony in Springfield.

State Rep. Lindsay Parkhurst (R-Kankakee) had the opportunity to honor three of Kankakee’s finest during the event, which included a memorial for the state’s fallen firefighters. The ceremony attracted firefighters from all over Illinois, as well as their families.

"I am impressed and thankful for the brave and fearless firefighters that we have willing to protect our community and go above and beyond the call of duty," Parkhurst said. 

Chris Salazer of the Kankakee Fire Department earned the state’s highest honor for firefighters by demonstrating bravery, heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty. Salazer received his Medal of Honor at the ceremony in recognition of his selflessness while facing extreme personal risk.

Lt. David Kruse II and John Burke, also from Kankakee, won Firefighters Excellence Awards in honor of professionalism demonstrated while performing service as firefighters. 

Kankakee Firefighter Department Scholarship Fund recipient Noah Hubly was the ceremony’s guest of honor. Hubly’s father was a firefighter who died in the line of duty, and Hubly used the scholarship to follow his career path.