Honor Guard Activation for Mike Altman

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UPDATED: 3/29/2026 at 1430hrs

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Brothers and Sisters,
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I was proud to walk through brother Altman’s visitation with 187 of our members, and hundreds of firefighters from across the country, Thursday night. And to stand in the cold and rain with you afterward, to honor him and his family. After a 35 degree drop from the time the service started, to the time it ended, those who were there truly did, “Whatever It Takes”.

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For those who don’t know, Mike and Nora’s daughter, Evelyn Rose, was born Thursday. Mom and baby are both healthy!

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I received the message below from Local 2 today. The AFFI Honor Guard will NOT be doing anything officially on Tuesday, in an effort to honor the family’s wishes. If you decide to go, I encourage AFFI Honor Guard members to find each other, and stand together. If you’re going, please take your Local flags, and do what you can to honor Mike, Nora, and the entire Altman family.

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March 29, 2026

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 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman Private Memorial Service

The Altman family will have invitation-only services for Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman on Tuesday, March 31 at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home and Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery.

The private memorial service starts at 10 a.m.

Anyone wishing to support the Altman family should line the route from Blake-Lamb to West on 103rd Street to Cicero Avenue … South on Cicero Avenue to 111th Street … West on 111th Street to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 6001 W. 111th St.

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I know if you go, you will stand with pride to Honor, Cherish, Remember, and Salute Mike, his family, and Local 2. 

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Jay Coburn, Commander

AFFI Honor Guard

(708) 927-6568

[email protected]

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2026 Honor Guard Dues

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Honor Guard Notification for Chris Wesley

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Brothers and Sisters,

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It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Assistant Chief Chris Wesley of Robinson Township Fire Protection District. Brother Wesley passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025. He was promoted out of Robinson, Local 3458, but was a very active member of the Local, serving as President for many years, prior to his promotion.

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Although this is NOT an activation, Local 3458 and Brother Wesley’s family would like to have Honor Guard members participate in his services. His services are as follows:

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Visitation:  Monday, December 15th, 2025, from 1000-1300hrs, at Robinson Civic Center- 300 S. Lincoln St., Robinson, IL 62454.

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Uniformed Personnel Walk-Thru: Monday, December 15th, 2025, at 1300hrs, at Robinson Civic Center- 300 S. Lincoln St., Robinson, IL 62454. Uniformed personnel should arrive no later than 1230hrs.

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Funeral and Procession: Monday, December 15th, 2025, following the walk thru, at Robinson Civic Center- 300 S. Lincoln St., Robinson, IL 62454

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Please attend if you can, and honor Brother Wesley, his family, and Local 3458.

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Fraternally,

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Jay Coburn, Commander

AFFI Honor Guard

(708) 927-6568

[email protected]

affi1935.org/honorguard

Honor Guard Notification for Trace Conover

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Honor Guard Activation for David Meyer

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Read more

Honor Guard Notification for Ethan Jeffreys

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Brothers and Sisters,

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It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Brother Ethan Jeffreys of Normal Firefighters, Local 2442. Brother Jeffreys passed away Monday, April 7th, 2025, from cancer. He was 23 years old. He is survived by his parents, Neil and Katie Jeffreys, brother, Aiden and sister, Allison. Brother Jeffreys was also a member of the National Guard.

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Although this is NOT an activation, Normal Firefighter’s Local 2442, and the Jeffreys family, would like to have Honor Guard members participate in his services. His services are as follows:

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Visitation: Friday, April 11th, 2025, from 1600hrs to 1900hrs, at Christ Community Church of Gridley- 406 W. 7th St., Gridley, IL 61744.

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Uniformed Personnel Walk-Thru: Friday, April 11th, 2025, at 1800hrs, at Christ Community Church of Gridley- 406 W. 7th St., Gridley, IL 61744. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 1730hrs.

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Funeral Service: Saturday, April 12th, 2025, at 1000hrs, at Christ Community Church of Gridley- 406 W. 7th St., Gridley, IL 61744.

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Interment: Saturday, April 12th, 2025, immediately following the funeral service, at El Paso Township Evergreen Cemetery- County Rd. 1050, El Paso, IL 61738.

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Please attend if you can, and honor Brother Jeffreys, his family, and Local 2442. Brother Jeffreys didn’t get to experience a life in the fire service. I hope you will do what you can to honor the time he did spend with us.

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Fraternally,

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Jay Coburn, Commander

AFFI Honor Guard

(708) 927-6568

[email protected]

affi1935.org/honorguard

Honor Guard Activation for Pete Bendinelli

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Brothers and Sisters,
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It is with great sadness that I inform you of the duty related death of Brother Pete Bendinelli of Calumet City Professional Firefighters, Local 621. Brother Bendinelli passed away Monday, March 31st, 2025, from occupational cancer. Brother Bendinelli was 48 years old. He is survived by his wife Lisa and daughters Mariana and Mia.
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By orders of AFFI President Chuck Sullivan, the AFFI Honor Guard is activated. 
Brother Bendinelli’s services are as follows:
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Wake: Friday, April 4th, 2025, from 1400-2000hrs, at Faith Church- 100 W. 81st Ave., Dyer, IN 46311. 
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Uniformed Personnel Walk-Through: Friday, April 4th, 2025, at 1900hrs, at Faith Church- 100 W. 81st Ave., Dyer, IN 46311. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 1800hrs.
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Funeral: Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at 1000hrs, at Faith Church- 100 W. 81st Ave., Dyer, IN 46311. Honor Guard members should arrive no later than 0900hrs.
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Honor Procession: Immediately following the funeral service.
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Please do what you can to be there. Please bring Local flags and tools for the services. I know, as always, you will all do Whatever It Takes to Honor, Cherish, Remember, and Salute Brother Bendinelli, his family, and his Local.
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Fraternally,
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Jay Coburn, Commander