04/07/2026
Proud of our very own Gino Casciola on being awarded The Illinois State Medal of Valor!
Addison, Illinois — The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal has announced that Firefighter/Paramedic Gino Casciola of the Addison Fire Protection District #1 will be awarded the prestigious Illinois Fire Service Medal of Valor. The ceremony is scheduled for May 12, 2026, in Springfield.
Firefighter/Paramedic Gino Casciola is being recognized for his extraordinary actions during a commercial structure fire on May 21, 2025, at 330 W. Lake Street in Addison.
Upon arrival, crews encountered a working fire in a commercial occupancy with smoke showing. As interior operations began, Casciola was assigned to the entry point to assist with advancing hose lines. During suppression efforts, conditions rapidly deteriorated after fire extended into a concealed void space above operating crews.
Heavy fire, extreme heat, and zero visibility forced firefighters to the floor as they attempted to locate an exit. An evacuation was ordered. Upon the order to evacuate, Casciola maintained his position at the threshold of the structure, where he was met with zero-visibility conditions and extreme thermal stress. He initially facilitated the egress of three interior members who were disoriented and searching for the exit. Despite repeated orders to retreat from the building for his own safety, Casciola remained at the door, identifying that two members were still unaccounted for. Recognizing that the remaining members had not emerged and that the window for survival was closing, he re-entered the structure. After clearing a blocked exit path, Casciola conducted a rapid search in high-heat, zero-visibility conditions. He successfully located and extracted the first remaining member. Without hesitation, he re-entered the structure a second time, located the final missing member, and successfully pulled them to safety.
Through his decisive and selfless actions, five members—including two lieutenants and three firefighter-paramedics—were safely removed from the structure and survived the incident without injury.
Only after confirming all members were accounted for did Casciola exit the structure.
The Illinois Fire Service Medal of Valor is awarded to firefighters who demonstrate exceptional courage, bravery, and a commitment to protecting others at great personal risk. Casciola’s actions exemplify the highest traditions of the fire service and reflect great credit upon himself and the Addison Fire Protection District #1.
