Bloomington Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 49

05/15/2026

It has been an incredibly busy and proud couple of weeks for the members of Bloomington Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 49 . From advocating for our members at the Capitol to honoring the ultimate sacrifices and incredible bravery of our brothers and sisters across the state, here is a look back at what we’ve been up to.

Members of Local #49 recently traveled to Springfield for the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Fran Gambro Legislative Conference, held from May 5-7, 2026. We were proud to represent our local alongside the AFFI.
We spent time meeting with lawmakers, including State Senator Sally Turner , Senator Chris Balkema, State Representative Sharon Chung , Representative Regan Deering, & Representative Dennis Tipsword, to discuss key issues impacting the fire service, our families, and our ability to recruit and retain the next generation of first responders. Sorry we missed getting pictures with all of you!

On Tuesday May 12th in Springfield, we joined departments from across the state for the Illinois Fire Service Medal of Honor Ceremony and the Firefighter Memorial Ceremony. These ceremonies are a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and service displayed by firefighters every day across our state. We were honored to pay our respects to those we have lost and to stand alongside those who continue to serve.

During the ceremonies, we were incredibly proud to watch our brothers from Normal Firefighters be recognized for their extraordinary courage. Congratulations to Lieutenant Matt Hill and Firefighter-Paramedic Nathan Riordan, who were awarded for their selfless actions during a mobile home fire rescue in November 2025. Their bravery reflects the very best of our profession and our neighboring department.

05/10/2026

Wishing a very Happy Mother's Day from the Bloomington Fire Fighters Local 49! 💐🚑🚒 To the mothers in our community, the mothers raising future first responders, and the incredible moms answering the call on shift today, thank you for your endless strength and unconditional love. Have a safe and beautiful day!

05/04/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor our brother, Firefighter Kyle Walder, on the first anniversary of his passing. Kyle was a dedicated member of the Bloomington Fire Department and a proud brother of Local #49.

A year ago, we lost a friend known for his commitment to this community and his unwavering spirit. Whether on duty or off, Kyle’s presence left an impact on everyone who knew him.

As we reflect on his life and legacy today, our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and loved ones. We continue to stand with them, navigating these days ahead together as one family.

Rest easy, Kyle. You are deeply missed and will never be forgotten.

04/05/2026

Have a wonderful Easter

03/18/2026

The AFFI is saddened to learn of the Line of Duty Death of Chicago Fire Department Firefighters Union - Local 2 Brother Mike Altman who was critically injured at an extra alarm fire yesterday.
Arrangements will be communicated as they become available. Please keep our Brothers and Sisters of Local 2 as well as the Altman Family and members of Truck 47 in your thoughts.

Chuck Sullivan-AFFI President Kurt Snow - AFFI Secretary/Treasurer Chris Coats AFFI Vice-President Steve Shetsky - Northern District Legislative Representative Jeff Maher - AFFI Central District Legislative Representative Brant A Maine-AFFI Southern District Legislative Representative Steve Perry AFFI District 3 VP Eric Hall AFFI District 2 Vice President Scott Cavenaile, AFFI District Four Vice President Art Thompson - AFFI District 5 Vice President International Association of Fire Fighters

03/08/2026

The 2026 Guns and Hoses Hockey Game is next Saturday!

Saturday, March 14, 2026
Grossinger Motors Arena
Doors Open at 12:30PM
Puck Drop at 2:00PM

All funds raised benefit the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Illinois.

This year in an effort to collaborate with the Bloomington Bison, we will be offering two ticket options:

$15.00 – General admission to Guns and Hoses (with $14.00 going directly to LETR)

$33.00 – General admission to Guns and Hoses plus a reserved seat for the Bloomington Bison vs. Fort Wayne Komets game at 7:00 PM (with $17.00 going directly to LETR).

These tickets are available at the BCPA Box for advanced purchase, at the Grossinger Motors Arena the day of the game, or at this Bloomington Bison link (processing fees apply on the link):
https://www.gofevo.com/group/Bloomingtonbison20

Thank you for your continued support for Guns and Hoses Hockey.

City of Bloomington, Illinois
City of Bloomington - Fire
City of Bloomington - Police
Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois

Support local Bloomington community causes as the Bison partner with Guns & Hoses to provide an amazing day of fun for families!Each ticket sold benefits the Law Enforcement Torch Run with Special Olympics of Central Illinois! A portion of each Bison ticket bought through this offer will be donated....

03/07/2026

Members of the City of Bloomington - Fire are currently on scene at an active warehouse fire. Please avoid the South Madison Street area at this time. Thank you for your cooperation.

03/03/2026

Bloomington Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 49 is proud of Local #49 President Eric Hall for AFFI District 2 DVP on his election as the next District 2 Vice President of the AFFI.
We would also like to congratulate Joe Brignall for AFFI District 2 Vice President and Stecher for District 2 Vice President for their well run campaigns

Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois

02/23/2026

Welcome to our five newest members of Local 49 on their first day with the City of Bloomington - Fire. Congratulations and we wish you the best in the months and years to come.
Pictured from the left Left to right President Eric Hall, VP, Kyle Klinefelter, Alex Volk, Brent Beals, Cole Leach, Kyle Eft, John Banialis Treasurer Trey Conley.

Day One Matters.
Today, five new members started their careers with the Bloomington Fire Department.
Because of the partnerships we’ve built with the city, Bloomington Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 49 is part of every new employee’s first week orientation. We’re given time to share our history, explain what the union does, and talk about how we fight for safer staffing, better schedules, strong contracts, and real protections for our members.

Welcome to all five who joined Local 49 on their first day.
3rd from the left Left to right Alex Volk, Brent Beals, Cole Leach, Kyle Eft, John Banialis.
That doesn’t happen by chance.
It happens when leadership is visible.
It happens when locals are respected partners.
It happens when members know their union shows up.
This is the kind of union leadership I believe in, present, accessible, and focused on building strong locals from the ground up.
Strong locals don’t happen automatically.
They’re built through relationships, trust, and action.
Proud of the members of Bloomington Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 49.

02/17/2026

This slide tells an important story

A traditional 40-hour employee works about 2,080 hours per year. Firefighters routinely work closer to 2,904 hours annually. This is equivalent to a 40 hour employee working 363 days a year. Who would ever take that job

That’s not just a difference on paper. That’s hundreds of extra hours away from family, increased fatigue, and the physical and mental toll of working nights, weekends, holidays, and high-stress emergencies.

As District 2 Vice President, I will continue advocating for parity, realistic workloads, and smarter staffing solutions that reflect the reality of our profession. Recruitment and retention challenges don’t fix themselves. Burnout doesn’t fix itself.

If we want healthy firefighters, strong Locals, and safer communities, we have to be willing to push for meaningful change.

Our members deserve leadership that understands the numbers and is willing to act on them