Kankakee, IL Fallen Firefighter Service Set for Oct. 2

Kankakee, IL – Kankakee County residents are invited to gather Friday morning for a memorial ceremony honoring firefighters who died in service to their communities.

According to an event announcement posted by Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe, the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, on the front lawn of the Kankakee County Courthouse, 450 E. Court St. in downtown Kankakee.

The ceremony is open to the public and is intended to recognize fallen firefighters while remembering their service and sacrifice.

Rowe is scheduled to host the memorial, according to the announcement. Organizers are encouraging community members to attend and join local officials and first responders in recognizing firefighters who made what the announcement describes as the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

The outdoor ceremony is weather-dependent. If rain prevents the service from being held on the courthouse lawn, organizers said the memorial will move indoors to the Knights of Columbus, 187 S. Indiana Ave. in Kankakee.

The annual service comes as communities across Kankakee County reflect on the work of firefighters and other emergency responders who serve throughout the region.

The event announcement carries the message, “We Remember. We Honor. We Are Grateful,” emphasizing remembrance of those who lost their lives while serving others.

Those planning to attend should arrive at the Kankakee County Courthouse ahead of the 11 a.m. start Friday and be aware that the location could change to the Knights of Columbus in the event of rain.