Lockport Township Firefighters Local #1544 Honor Guard

The Lockport Township Firefighter Local #1544 Honor Guard was formed in 1999 when Firefighter William Lambert was hired from the Kankakee Fire Department. Bill was a member of Kankakee Firefighters Union Local #653. He was also a member of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard. Bill asked the fire chief at the time if he could continue the tradition by forming a department honor guard for the Lockport Fire Fighters.  The Chief not only agreed with Bill but approved monetary support. The Department Honor Guard has grown in recent years to eighteen members strong.

We have presented the Colors at the Lockport Township Fire District’s Annual Fire Fighters Award Banquet and we have participated in the City of Crest Hill’s Memorial Parade. We also have participated in various events within our Fire District. Annually we have participated in the Illinois Medal of Honor Ceremony in Springfield, Illinois and the IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Members Include:

FF William Lambert -Retired

Lt. John Matthews-Drill Captain

FF Keith Carberry-Drill Captain-Training Coordinator

FF Thomas Clifton-Drill Captain

Lt. Phil Hutto-Quartermaster

FF Chris Langheld

FF Brandon Voight

FF Thomas Clifton

FF William O'Connor

FF Katherine Gritsuk

Lt. Dale Jacobs

FF Joshua Hertzmann

Click on AFFI Logo below to go to AFFI Honor Guard Site.

The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard was formed on January 30, 1993 as a way to promote the AFFI, and the fire service in general, in a positive and proper manner. The Honor Guard performs duties during line of duty death ceremonies for Illinois’ union firefighters. It also aids in planning and performing various firefighter memorials around the United States, such as the Illinois Medal of Honor Ceremony and the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony in Colorado Springs. The Honor Guard began as a group of less than 70 firefighters and has now increased to a membership of over 400 union firefighters from numerous departments throughout the State of Illinois. The high number of members helps make certain there will always be adequate numbers to respond to any assignment on a relatively short notice. Membership is open to all AFFI members.