Funeral Assistance Services
Honoring Those Who Served. Supporting Those They Leave Behind.
When a member of the fire service passes away, departments face important decisions and responsibilities during an already difficult time. The Illinois Fire Chiefs Association Funeral Committee is available to provide guidance, resources, and support to help departments honor their members with dignity and respect.
Our experienced committee can assist with funeral planning, ceremonial considerations, line-of-duty death protocols, and available survivor resources. Assistance is available at no cost to Illinois fire departments.
Need Funeral Assistance?
Funeral assistance is available 24 hours a day. Departments seeking guidance or support may contact the IFCA office.
Phone: (847) 966-0732
Email: info@illinoisfirechiefs.org
How We Can Help
The Funeral Committee provides guidance and assistance throughout the planning process, helping departments navigate the traditions, protocols, and arrangements associated with fire service funerals.
Funeral Planning & Coordination
Consultation and practical planning assistance to help departments coordinate funeral arrangements and memorial services.
Line-of-Duty Death Assistance
Guidance regarding line-of-duty death protocols, ceremonial considerations, and available benefits and survivor resources.
Honor Guard & Ceremonial Guidance
Recommendations regarding fire service funeral traditions, honor guards, ceremonial details, and appropriate levels of honor.
Department & Family Support
Planning resources and coordination assistance to help departments support the families and colleagues of fallen or deceased members.
Funeral Planning Resources
The following documents are available to assist departments with funeral preparations, benefit information, and important planning considerations.
Funeral Committee Information Brochure
Information about the IFCA Funeral Committee and available assistance.
View Brochure »Line-of-Duty Death Benefits Summary
Reference information regarding available line-of-duty death benefits.
View Benefits Summary »Next of Kin Notification Form
A planning resource for next-of-kin notification procedures.
View Notification Form »Fire Service Funeral Levels of Honor
Fire service funeral honors may vary depending on the member's service status and the circumstances surrounding their death. The following levels provide a framework for determining appropriate ceremonial considerations.
Level 1 – Line-of-Duty or Job-Related Death
Death resulting from a line-of-duty or job-related event. This level may include an inactive member whose death resulted from an injury sustained during active duty.
Level 2 – Active Member, Non-Job-Related Death
Death of an active member of the fire or EMS service that is not job-related.
Level 3 – Inactive or Affiliate Member
Non-job-related death of a retired, former, or inactive member, or the death of an affiliate member.
Ceremonial Options by Level of Honor
The following reference chart outlines ceremonial options associated with each level of honor.
A checkmark indicates an option identified for that level. The final arrangements should be coordinated with the family, department, and Funeral Committee.
| Ceremonial Option | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Flag (armed services veteran only) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Badge Shrouds | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bagpipers | ✓ | ||
| Bell Service | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bugler | ✓ | ||
| Color Guard | ✓ | ||
| Crossed Ladders | ✓ | ||
| Eulogy | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Fire Engine Caisson | ✓ | ||
| Fire Service Flag | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Flower Unit | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Hearse | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Honor Guard | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Honor Detail | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Pallbearers | ✓ | ✓ | * |
| Active Duty Member | |||
| Station Bunting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vehicle Bunting | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Walk-through | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Key: 1 = Line-of-duty or job-related death; 2 = Active member, non-job-related death; 3 = Inactive or affiliate member.
* Honorary pallbearers.
Funeral Classification Definitions
The following terms are used in the Funeral Committee's guidance for classifying deaths and determining appropriate ceremonial honors.
Line-of-Duty:
Death resulting from a traumatic injury suffered in the line of duty.
Job-Related Traumatic Injury:
An injury resulting from an outside force, such as crushing injuries from a building collapse, apparatus accidents, or falls. Burns, smoke inhalation, heatstroke, and frostbite are also included.
Job-Related Non-Traumatic Injury:
A non-traumatic condition strongly believed or demonstrated to be attributable to job-related factors. Examples listed in the committee guidance include stress-related conditions, heart attacks, strokes, diseases, and mental illness, including suicide.
Active Member:
A full-time or volunteer member actively serving in fire or EMS services.
Inactive Member:
A retired, former, or pensioned member of a fire or EMS service.
Affiliate Member:
An individual who has served the department in another capacity, such as a commissioner, trustee, or dispatcher.
Non-Job-Related Death:
A natural or traumatic death not related to fire or EMS duty.
Classification Note: These definitions are provided for funeral planning guidance. Formal line-of-duty determinations and eligibility for death benefits are governed by the applicable agencies, laws, and program requirements.
Additional Ceremonial Resources
How to Fold the Fire Service Flag
Watch this instructional video demonstrating the proper folding of the fire service flag for funeral and memorial ceremonies.
Contact the IFCA Funeral Committee
The Illinois Fire Chiefs Funeral Committee is committed to supporting departments and families during times of loss while ensuring that service and sacrifice are honored appropriately.
Funeral assistance is available 24 hours a day.
Phone: (847) 966-0732
Email: info@illinoisfirechiefs.org
