Evanston Firefighters Local #742

08/24/2026

Training spotlight - This morning Station 21 crews reviewed roof operations. Vertical ventilation is a key component of firefighting because it provides relief and a path for heat and smoke to escape a structure while firefighters put out the fire inside.

Evanston Local #742 firefighters are proud to serve the citizens of Evanston 24/7/365

08/03/2026

Please consider coming out, get your car squeaky clean, and support the Evanston Fire Explorers. They will be having a fundraiser and the proceeds will go toward fire gear and training for the Explorers.

08/02/2026

Yesterday your local 742 firefighters hockey team participated in a charity hockey tournament benefiting Shield 23 Foundation and The Yard Foundation | The BEST Charity For Firefighters. This is a great way for the local to show support for community events and local charities while also having some fun. Thanks to Arlington Heights Firefighters L-3105 and Des Plaines Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 4211 for hosting a great event!

Evanston Local #742 firefighters are proud to serve the citizens of Evanston 24/7/365

07/22/2026

07/22/2026

July 22, 1985 - LODD
Firefighter Martin F. Leoni Jr., 27
Evanston Fire Department. Evanston, Illinois
Firefighter Leoni was killed as he attempted to rescue a one month old baby from a burning house. Unknown to him, the child had already been removed with burns over 60% of his body and most of his right arm burned off. Firefighter Leoni was the first firefighter to die in the line of duty in Evanston since 1902.

07/15/2026

Last week your local 742 firefighters had the opportunity to train in an acquired structure before it was demolished. Crews trained on flat roof ventilation tactics, low angle aerial master stream usage, and breaching through walls to effect rescues. Opportunities like these are important because they allow firefighters to train gain valuable, hands on training to be better prepared to respond to emergencies.

Evanston Local 742 firefighters are proud to serve the citizens of Evanston 24/7/365.

06/04/2026

By orders of Chuck Sullivan-AFFI President and Commander Jay Coburn, the AFFI Honor Guard is being activated for the line of duty death of Brother John Morgan of Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters Local 5575. Brother Morgan passed away overnight during his May 31st shift.
Full service details can be found on the AFFI website: https://www.affi1935.org/news/activationforjohnmorgan/

Art Thompson - AFFI District 5 Vice President Kurt Snow - AFFI Secretary/Treasurer Chris Coats AFFI Vice-President Steve Shetsky - Northern District Legislative Representative International Association of Fire Fighters

05/29/2026

Today is a Friday. You may see your Evanston Firefighters Local #742 wearing RED shirts today & wonder why. It represents Remember Everyone Deployed in the military & we wish that they ALL return home safely, including our very own Local #742 Members who is currently deployed on Active Military Duty! We don't just wait for Veterans Day to salute our Soldiers, we are proud of them each & everyday! But each Friday, we wear a special RED shirt to keep them in your thoughts as well as ours! Come home safe Brother, and all who are serving!

05/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2026

The Chicago Fire Department announces with deep sorrow the passing of Engineer Steven M. Decker who suffered a medical emergency Thursday during an annual equipment test shortly after 3 p.m. in the 6600 block of North Kedzie Avenue.

Engineer Decker was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston where he later died.

"We are heartbroken by losing another one of our own. Steve gave everything in service to the people of Chicago and his courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Our deepest condolences go out to the Decker family, fellow firefighters and paramedics and all who cherished him," said CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt.

Engineer Decker, who was 61, had nearly 30 years on the job and was assigned to Engine 71 in West Ridge.

Out of respect for the family, no additional personal information is being released at this time. The Chicago Fire Department asks that the media and public respect the privacy of his family during this difficult time.

We also want to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Francis Hospital and the Chicago and Evanston Police Departments for their assistance.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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05/15/2026