Manhattan Firefighters Local 4991

12/22/2025

The Manhattan Professional Firefighters Local 4991 is asking our community to keep the Villalobos family in your thoughts during this heartbreaking time. Josh Villalobos passed away suddenly on December 18th, leaving behind his wife Ehrin and their young daughter.

Ehrin has dedicated herself to public safety as the Fire and Life Safety Educator for the Elwood Fire Protection District, always serving others with compassion. Now we have an opportunity to support her and her family as they face unimaginable loss.

A GoFundMe has been created to help with living expenses and immediate needs. If you’re able, please consider donating or sharing the fundraiser. Every contribution, big or small makes a difference.

Thank you for your support. Stay safe and take care of one another.

The Villalobos family is facing an unimaginable loss after the sudden passing of Josh … April Veerman needs your support for Support for the Villalobos Family

12/19/2025

The Manhattan Fire Protection District and Manhattan Professional Firefighters Local 4991 extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has surrounded the Ledvina and Tums families with compassion, generosity, and love during this incredibly difficult time.

The outpouring of support from our community, our fire service family, and our neighboring departments has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated. Your presence, kind words, prayers, and acts of generosity have meant more than we can ever express.

We would especially like to thank the fire districts that stepped up without hesitation to ensure our stations were covered, allowing our members to be present in support of one of our own. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Frankfort, New Lenox, Mokena, Monee, and Beecher Fire Districts for providing station coverage. We also extend our gratitude to the Orland, Frankfort, and New Lenox Fire Districts for their participation in the procession.

A special thank you to the Frankfort Firefighters Union for providing meals to our members and for their continued support. We are also deeply thankful to the many firefighters who attended the service, donated food, assisted with collections, and offered help in countless ways. Your actions truly exemplify the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service.

To the many unions, departments, organizations, and individuals who donated, reached out, or offered support in any form - thank you. Your generosity and solidarity have been felt deeply by all.

We are forever grateful to be part of a community and fire service family that stands together in moments of heartbreak. Please continue to keep Ava, Dylan, and Wes in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

12/09/2025

On December 8, one of our brothers suffered an unimaginable loss. While leaving shift, Dylan and his wife Ava received a call no parent should ever have to face- their beautiful two-year-old son, Paxton, had a medical emergency. He was transported and later flown to Lurie Children’s Hospital, but despite every effort, Dylan and Ava tragically lost their sweet boy. Paxton, a former NICU warrior, had already overcome so much through multiple successful surgeries, and his strength inspired everyone around him.

Dylan, Ava, and their son Wes now need our strength as they navigate this heartbreaking time. Dylan will be taking significant time away from work to care for his family as they grieve and heal. He has always been a giver, leading the Manhattan Fire Protection District’s Project Fire Buddies chapter since its beginning and pouring his heart into helping others.

On behalf of the Manhattan Fire Protection District and Manhattan Professional Firefighters Local 4991, we extend our deepest condolences to the entire Ledvina family. Their loss is felt throughout our department and our community.

Many have asked how they can help. If members of the community wish to support the Ledvina family during this incredibly difficult time, the family has started a gofundme. Also, if you or your union would like to donate outside of gofundme please feel free to contact us on Facebook as well. More information will be shared on the Manhattan Firefighters Union page if other opportunities become available.

Please continue to keep Dylan, Ava, Wes, and all who loved Paxton in your thoughts and prayers. 💙🔥

With devastating hearts, we share the sudden and unexpected passing of our… Cassie Kennedy needs your support for Support for Paxton’s Family During This Time

08/22/2025

Check out these Project Fire Buddies fundraisers coming up and don’t forget to sign up for the Manhattan Golf Outting on September 6th!

07/14/2025

We still have some remaining golfer and sponsors spots available! Please sign up before the 31st!

07/14/2025

06/10/2025

We are looking for sponsors for our upcoming golf outting. Proceeds benefit Pink Heels Joliet and Project Fire Buddies 🔥. We hope to see you out there!

04/01/2025

Just a friendly reminder to get out and vote today! Good luck to Mayor Mike Andrieansen, Trustee Justin Young, Jennifer Bahena, Clint Boone, and Becky Bouck!

02/25/2025

01/29/2025

In Loving Memory of Retired Fire Chief John 'Jack' Fitzgerald

With great respect and admiration, we honor the incredible legacy of Fire Chief John 'Jack' Fitzgerald, who retired after 52 years of dedicated service to the Manhattan Fire Protection District and our community. Chief Fitzgerald began his career on January 13, 1956, and served selflessly in various roles, including Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and Fire Chief, from 1998 until his retirement in 2008.

In addition to his leadership in the fire district, Chief Fitzgerald served as the Mayor of Manhattan from 1967 to 1989, making him the longest-serving mayor in the village’s history. His impact on the community extended far beyond the fire service, as he was a true public servant who dedicated his life to making Manhattan a better place for all.

Throughout his career, Chief Fitzgerald was a trailblazer in fire safety and emergency medical services. His leadership and dedication earned him multiple accolades, including Officer of the Year, the EMS Award, and the Paramedic of the Year Award from the Will-Grundy EMS System in 1987. In 2006, he was honored with the Dr. William McConnell Excellence in EMS Award.

As a husband, father, and grandfather, Chief Fitzgerald’s commitment extended to his family, including his grandson, Lt. Edward Ludwig, and great-grandson, Firefighter- Paramedic Conner Ludwig, who proudly continues the family’s tradition of service in the fire district.

Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his life of service. Chief Fitzgerald’s legacy of dedication and leadership will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Rest in peace, Chief Fitzgerald, we got it from here.