Brothers & Sisters,
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As you know, your AFFI Legislative Committee has been working hard in Springfield to educate legislators about the importance of fixing Tier 2 pensions. We have participated in countless meetings and hearings stressing the importance of improving retirement security for our tier 2 members.
In just over a month the Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn the spring session. We are asking for your help.
The AFFI is a part of the We Are One Illinois Coalition and they will be hosting a legislative update webinar on Monday April 28th at 6pm. Click here to RSVP.
In addition to the webinar, we need ALL AFFI members to take action between April 29th and May 1st to tell lawmakers to pass the Fair Retirement and Recruitment Act.
You can write your lawmaker by clicking here or dial 507-497-1665 to be connected to your lawmaker.
Your voice is important and we need you to use it next week. We appreciate your support.
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In Solidarity,
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Chuck Sullivan, President
Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois
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
affi1935.org/honorguard
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
