Aurora Fire Department lighting stations red, holding memorial ceremony to honor fallen firefighters

Chicago Tribune

27-04-2025

The Aurora Fire Department is participating in a national tribute campaign for fallen firefighters and hosting a memorial ceremony in May, according to a news release from the department, for fallen firefighters, including Aurora firefighter recruit Cristian Medrano who passed away during training last April.
Through May 4, all fire stations in the city will be illuminated in red as part of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's 'Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters' campaign, the release said. The downtown area around City Hall will also have red lighting and displays, including digital signage and kiosk graphics, according to officials.
The display leads up to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, where institutions across the country light their buildings red to show solidarity with fallen firefighters.
The Aurora Fire Department will also be hosting a memorial ceremony at 9 a.m. May 6 at its Central Fire Station at 75 N. Broadway in Aurora to honor both line-of-duty and active-duty deaths of firefighters, according to the release.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony and reflect on the lives and legacies of Aurora's fallen firefighters, officials said, including that of Christian Medrano who died last year.
'Cristian Medrano's passing has reminded us how precious and courageous this calling truly is,' said Aurora Fire Chief Dave McCabe in the release. 'We encourage every Aurora resident to take part in honoring not only Cristian but all firefighters who gave their lives in service.'
The department also invites local businesses, community organizations and families to light their homes or properties in red during the tribute campaign.