On May 14, Senate Republican lawmakers joined firefighters and their families from around the state who traveled to Springfield to participate in the 26th Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighting Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony.

The ceremony, which takes place every year in May, honors those who have made the supreme sacrifice, and those who have demonstrated extraordinary acts of bravery and heroism to protect fellow firefighters and civilians.

The Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial, which is located on the Capitol’s southwest lawn, lists the names of those who have given their lives in the line of duty. Inscribed on the memorial are the words, “Dedicated to the firefighters of Illinois who have given their lives in the line of duty and to those who heroically serve with courage, pride and honor.” This year, one name was added: Firefighter Juan Buccio of the Chicago Fire Department.