Welcome to the Cicero Firefighters Web Site
Welcome to the Cicero Firefighters, International Association of Firefighters, Local 717 web site. Our Local is comprised of 64 members. We are affiliated with the International Association of Firefighters and the Associated Firefighters of Illinois. Our Local has endured many challenges over the years, but with the strong backing of our Union Membership and our Brothers and Sisters in the International Association Of Firefighters and the Associated Firefighters of Illinois we have prevailed in all of our battles. We appreciate you visiting our site and we hope you will return often to check out our updates.
2026 Local #717 Golf Outing
Recent Incidents
June 24, 2026- Yesterday afternoon at approximately 5:00 p.m., 3rd Platoon companies were dispatched for reports of visible smoke in the area of the 5700 block of 35th Street. Upon arrival, crews observed light smoke showing from the structure. Further investigation revealed heavy smoke conditions on the first floor, prompting 717 members to deploy hose lines and initiate primary searches of the building. Crews quickly located a fire in the basement and worked aggressively to extinguish it while preventing extension to the upper floors. Through coordinated fire suppression and overhaul operations, firefighters were able to bring the incident under control and limit fire spread from the basement to the first floor. We are pleased to report that no civilian injuries occurred as a result of this incident. We would also like to thank our mutual aid partners for their assistance at the scene. Berwyn, IL Firefighters Local 506
June 2, 2026- At approximately 7:30 p.m., 3rd Platoon companies were dispatched out for reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews encountered a two-flat residential building with heavy fire showing from the front of the second floor. Firefighters immediately initiated primary searches and deployed multiple hose lines to attack the fire. Through a coordinated and aggressive interior fire attack, crews were able to quickly bring the fire under control and limit the majority of the damage to the building of origin. One neighboring exposure building sustained only minor damage. Thankfully, no civilian injuries were reported. Excellent work by all companies on scene, whose training, teamwork, and professionalism helped bring this incident to a successful conclusion.
Training
May 30, 2026- 3rd Platoon companies took advantage of the beautiful Saturday weather to sharpen their truck company skills through hands-on training. Crews utilized the newly installed half walls in the burn tower, enhancing the realism of search and rescue evolutions and providing more challenging training scenarios. Members also spent time refining their vertical ventilation techniques, reinforcing critical skills used on the fireground.
Today, 2nd Platoon conducted training with the roof saw to maintain proficiency in vertical ventilation operations. Since cutting ventilation holes in roofs is not something we do every day, regular training is essential to ensure both crew safety and the safety of the residents we serve. On behalf of the 717, we wish everyone a fun and safe weekend.
April 17, 2026-This past week, members of Local 717, alongside our MABAS Division 11 mutual aid partners, participated in live fire training through the Illinois Fire Service Institute’s Cornerstone Program. The training consisted of multiple live fire evolutions designed to simulate real-world fireground conditions. Companies operated through first-due engine and truck assignments, primary and secondary searches, victim removal, multi-company coordination, radio communications, forcible entry, and both company and chief officer responsibilities. Training of this caliber allows our members to sharpen critical skills under realistic conditions while reinforcing coordination within our own companies. Just as importantly, it provides valuable opportunities to train alongside our mutual aid partners, strengthening the relationships and interoperability that are essential during emergency operations. We would like to thank all of the departments within MABAS Division 11 who participated and contributed to the success of this training. A special thank you to the Illinois Fire Service Institute instructors for their time, professionalism, and continued commitment to advancing the fire service through high-quality training.
Anniversaries
July 12, 2026- Congratulations to Lieutenant Josh Hill on 19 complete years with the Cicero Fire Department! Local 717 would like to Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and continued service to our department and the community. Wishing you many more safe and successful years ahead. Congratulations, Lieutenant Hill!
The members of The Cicero Fire Department Local 717 proudly congratulate Assistant Chief Sochacki on 26 complete years of dedicated service to the Cicero Fire Department. Congratulations on 26 years of service and on your continued leadership. We look forward to the future under your guidance.
June 26, 2026- Congratulations on 8 Years of Service Congratulations to Engineers Angelo Buscemi and Fernando Luna on 8 years with the Cicero Fire Department. Local 717 would like to thank you for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to serving our community. We appreciate everything you do and are proud to have you as part of our department. Congratulations on this milestone!
June 14, 2026- Congratulations to FF/PM James Aitcheson and Zack Marcolini on completing 5 years with the Cicero Fire Department Local 717 would like to Thank you both for your hard work, dedication and service to the Town of Cicero over the last 5 years. Wishing you many more years of health and safety on the job Congratulations and stay safe!
May 15, 2026- Please help local 717 congratulate 5 of our members on 3 complete years with The Cicero Fire Department Local 717 thanks you for your commitment, hard work, and continued service to the department and community.
May 14, 2026- Congratulations to Firefighter Paramedic Rich Darling on 7 complete years with the Cicero Fire Department!
Local 717 would like to thank you for your dedication, hard work and service to our community over the past 7 years. Congratulations on this milestone!
May 11, 2026- Local 717 would like to congratulate two members of the Cicero Fire Department on completing 11 years of dedicated service.
Engineer James Curda
Engineer Mathew Ginnetti
Thank you both for your hard work, commitment, and service to the community. Wishing you many more years of success and safety ahead.
May 4, 2026- Congratulations to Lieutenant Mladek on 17 complete years of dedicated service with the Cicero Fire Department
Local 717 would like to thank you for your continued commitment, hard work, and service to the department and community. Please help us congratulate Brian Mladek and on this huge milestone.
April 27, 2026- Please help us congratulate 2 members of Local 717 on 8 complete years of dedicated service. Local 717 thanks you for your commitment, hard work, and continued service to the department and community. Congratulations To Joel Mulbrandon & Dan Midell
April 22, 2026- Please help us congratulate Justin Swiatowiec on 12 complete years of dedicated service. Local 717 thanks you for your commitment, hard work, and continued service to the department and community.
April 13, 2026- Congrats to six members of Cicero Fire Department Local 717 on 5 years of service. Mathew Gocal Robert Cranston Ali Ahmad Cody Schlusemann Nicholas Rockus Anthony Canino Thank you for your dedication and everything you do for the community. Stay safe!
April 11, 2026-Congratulations to two of our members on reaching 4 years with Cicero Local 717 ! Ulisses Mendoza Ryan Walczak Thank you for your dedication and service to the community.
March 10, 2026-Congratulations to FF/PM Chris Vaval on 6 years of service with The Cicero Fire Depth . Local 717 would like to thank you for your dedication and service to our community.
March 9, 2026-Cicero Fire Local 717 would like to congratulate Lieutenant Chris Foltz on 24 years of dedicated service. Lieutenant Chris Foltz also serves as our training officer in charge of the training division. He is also our treasurer for the local 717 executive board and does a great job for us. Thank you for your commitment to the job and the community. Congratulations on this incredible milestone
February 28, 2026-Congratulations to four of our members on reaching 7 complete years of service with the Cicero Fire Department. Seven years of dedication, hard work, and commitment to this job and this community is something to be proud of. Thank you for what you’ve given to this department over the past seven years. We look forward to many more. Congratulations
Allstate Arena Hockey Tournament 2026
February 27, 2026- Last weekend the Cicero Fire Department hockey team had the privilege of facing off against the 99ers Hockey Team of the Aurora Firefighters Local 99 at the Allstate Arena! The 99ers took home the win this time around but we look forward to a rematch in the near future! Thank you the invite!
Congratulations on 24 Years of Service!
February 26, 2026- The members of The Cicero Fire Department Local 717 proudly congratulate Deputy Chief T.J Santoro on 24 complete years of dedicated service to the Cicero Fire Department.
Congratulations on 24 years of service and on your continued leadership. We look forward to the future under your guidance.
Happy Anniversary!
February 25, 2026-Please join Local 717 in congratulating five of our members on reaching 12 years of service with the Cicero Fire Department. Twelve years on the job is something to be proud of. Thank you for your continued dedication to the department and the community.
Congratulations on the milestone.
Congratulations to Firefighter Dave Grady, Engineer Paul Barry, Engineer Kenny Tokarz, Lieutenant Tim Medina and Lieutenant Matt Saternus
We would also like to give JLT Photography a huge shoutout and a thank you for doing such a professional job on the whole department’s photos.
Thank You Sam's Club
The Cicero Firefighters Union Local 717 Would like to thank Sam's Club for their continued generosity and support of the Cicero community. Their partnership including a significant contribution to our recent Christmas Drive makes a real difference for local families. We were honored to present their team with a custom fire helmet featuring a handmade leather shield crafted by stefano a. fiore as a token of our appreciation. We are grateful to have such strong community partners
Congratulations on 15 Years!
February 10, 2026-Congratulations to two of our Lieutenants on 15 years of dedicated service with Cicero Fire Department Local 717.
Since February 8, 2011, Your leadership and commitment to our community and your fellow firefighters have remained strong every step of the way. We are proud to serve alongside you.
Thank you for 15 years of service and congratulations on this milestone.
33rd Annual AFFI Honor Guard Convention
January 30, 2026-Tonight, the 717 proudly inducted two new members into the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard - Lieutenant Josh Novinger and Firefighter/Paramedic Charlie Gorgan. Josh and Charlie spent the weekend completing new inductee training, learning the traditions, responsibilities, and dedication required of Honor Guard members. We are extremely proud of the commitment they have made to honor our fallen brothers and sisters with the dignity and respect they deserve.
The 717 would also like to extend a sincere thank you to our Drill Captain, Engineer Matt LoPresti for his continued hard work, leadership, and dedication in training and guiding our Honor Guard members throughout the year.
Ice Hockey Tournament 2026
January 11, 2026- The tournament is underway! The 717 would like to send a huge thank you to Town President Larry Dominick and The Town of Cicero for donating the ice today and supporting the Cicero Firefighters Charitable Foundation!
Cicero Firefighters Foundation Shirts
If your interested in some tshirts or hoodies we have L, XL, and XXL left! All proceeds benefit the Cicero Firefighters Charitable Foundation! Drop by Bobby Hull Ice Rink or we can hold orders at the Morton Park fire house!
Happy Anniversary!
January 10, 2026- Today Local 717 is congratulating six of our members who were all hired on January 10, 2022, As they celebrate 4 complete years of service with our department. Congrats on 4 years to Adam Lavery, Jesse Valenti, Frank Loeza, Ceasar Palafox, Connor Sheehan and Anthony Renteria ! Thank you for your service and everything you continue to bring to the department. Here’s to many more years ahead!
Fires
January 3, 2026-Yesterday, 2nd Platoon (Black Shift) responded to two separate structure fires during their shift. The first occurred at approximately 6:45 PM in the 1500 block of Austin Blvd, followed by a second incident around 6:20 AM in the 1300 block of Austin Blvd. At both locations, crews quickly advanced hose lines and were able to bring the fires under control. Crews also were confronted with the challenge of several frozen fire hydrants. Thanks to the swift actions of our members these situations were stabilized. We are proud to serve and protect our residents around the clock.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from the 717! Another busy year in the books, and we’re incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community and The Town of Cicero. We’re proud to serve and look forward to continuing our mission throughout 2026.
The above design was created and hand drawn by Lt. Stephen A. Fiore
