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Lansing Professional Fire Fighters Local 3709, 19300 Burnham Avenue, Lansing, IL (2026)

09/07/2026

Join us in wishing Firefighter/Paramedic Brandon Schiemann a happy 2nd work anniversary with the Lansing Fire Department!

Brandon recently celebrated 2 years of service to the Village of Lansing and is currently assigned to Gold Shift at Station 31 on the north end of town, where he is primarily assigned to Ambulance 31.

Brandon's time with Lansing actually began before he officially joined the department. While he already had several years of experience in the fire service with smaller departments, he was newer to EMS and completed much of his paramedic school ride time right here in Lansing. During that time, Brandon quickly found that he enjoyed the call volume, variety of emergencies, fast-paced environment, and camaraderie among our members. By the time he completed paramedic school and earned his license, he knew Lansing was where he wanted to continue his career.

Since joining the department full-time, Brandon has continued developing both as a firefighter and paramedic and has proven to be a great asset to the department. He approaches the job with an open mind and a willingness to improve, welcomes feedback from the members around him, and puts that feedback to work as he continues building his skills and experience. Whatever the day's assignment may bring, Brandon can be counted on to step in, take on the task, and get the job done.

More recently, Brandon volunteered to take on some additional responsibility by becoming one of the members tasked with maintaining the department's hazardous gas meters. While it may be one of the less visible jobs around the firehouse, maintaining and keeping this equipment ready for use is an important part of ensuring our crews have the tools they need when responding to hazardous environments. His willingness to help with ownership of this program is another example of his desire to learn more and contribute wherever he can.

From completing his paramedic ride time in Lansing to now serving the community as one of its full-time firefighter/paramedics, Brandon has come a long way in a relatively short time. As he enters his third year, we look forward to seeing him continue to expand his knowledge, take on new responsibilities, and grow within the department.

Congratulations, Brandon, on 2 years of service to the Lansing Fire Department, Local 3709, and the community we proudly serve. Here's to many more!

Village of Lansing
Village of Lansing Fire Department

09/07/2026

Join us in wishing Firefighter/Paramedic Prestin Thomas a happy 2nd work anniversary with the Lansing Fire Department!

Prestin recently celebrated 2 years of service to the Village of Lansing and is currently assigned to Black Shift at Station 31 on the north end of town, where he is primarily assigned to Ambulance 31.

Prestin came to Lansing with several years of previous fire and EMS as a contract fire medic, giving him a solid foundation to build upon as he made the transition into the career fire service. Since joining Black Shift, he's settled in well to the change in pace and call volume compared to his previous department, while becoming a dependable member of the shift.

Around the firehouse, Prestin is well known for his antics, jokes, and willingness to do just about anything for a laugh, someone the shift can always count on to lighten the mood.

Behind the jokes, though, is a strong work ethic and a never-quit attitude. Prestin is always willing to take on whatever assignment is handed to him with a smile and has shown an ability to keep pushing even when the work gets difficult, uncomfortable, or demanding. Whether it's an emergency call, training evolution, or one of the less glamorous jobs around the station, he finds a way to see the task through, often with a smile and a joke.

Congratulations, Prestin, on 2 years of service to the Lansing Fire Department, Local 3709, and the community we proudly serve. Here's to many more.

Village of Lansing
Village of Lansing Fire Department

09/07/2026

Join us in wishing Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew "Matt" Kaplan a happy 2nd work anniversary with the Lansing Fire Department!

Matt recently celebrated 2 years of service to the Village of Lansing and is currently assigned to Gold Shift at Station 31 on the north end of town, where he is primarily assigned to Ambulance 31.

Although still relatively early in his career with Lansing, Matt came to the department with several years of previous fire and EMS experience from a rural department. Working in an area where critically ill and injured patients often meant extended transport times helped him develop a strong foundation as a paramedic, where good assessment, sound decision-making, and managing a patient for the long haul were an important part of the job.

Since joining Lansing, Matt has continued building upon that experience while adapting to a different pace and style of fire and EMS operations. He has earned a reputation as someone who works hard, does what's asked of him, and is enthusiastic about learning from the members around him. Whether on an emergency scene, during training, or handling the everyday work around the station, he brings a positive attitude and a willingness to pitch in.

And his contributions to Gold Shift aren't limited to the apparatus. Matt also enjoys cooking and can regularly be found behind the stove preparing meals for the station, an important firehouse skill.

Congratulations, Matt, on 2 years of service to the Lansing Fire Department, Local 3709, and the community we proudly serve. Here's to many more.

Village of Lansing
Village of Lansing Fire Department

09/06/2026

Join us in wishing Lieutenant/Paramedic Martin "Marty" Burns a happy 20th work anniversary with the Lansing Fire Department!

Marty recently celebrated an impressive 20 years of service to the Village of Lansing and is currently assigned to Red Shift at Station 29 on the south end of town, where he serves as the Lieutenant of Engine 29.

As a company officer, Marty brings a team-first, all-in approach to leadership. Whether around the firehouse or operating on an emergency scene, he emphasizes working together, looking out for one another, and recognizing that every member of the crew has a role in getting the job done. His leadership reflects the idea that success in the fire service is rarely about one person; it's about the entire crew working together toward the same goal.

Throughout his career, Marty has also contributed to the department in several roles outside of his regular shift responsibilities, including previously serving as a department fire investigator. But perhaps one of his most significant behind-the-scenes contributions came from putting the skills of his previous career to work for the fire department.

Before entering the fire service, Marty worked as a diesel mechanic, and for many years he served as the department's primary in-house resource for apparatus maintenance and repairs. From diagnosing problems to turning wrenches and keeping our equipment on the road, Marty dedicated countless hours to helping ensure our apparatus remained ready to answer the next call.

While he may not be crawling underneath the rigs and wrenching on them anymore, that knowledge hasn't gone anywhere. Marty remains a valuable resource when mechanical issues arise, helping troubleshoot problems, identify potential causes, and make sure the right information gets communicated when apparatus are sent out for repair.

Congratulations, Marty, on 20 years of service to the Lansing Fire Department, Local 3709, and the community we proudly serve. Here's to many more.

Village of Lansing
Village of Lansing Fire Department

09/05/2026

Join us in wishing Lieutenant/Paramedic Tim Kotecki a happy 20th work anniversary with the Lansing Fire Department!

Tim recently celebrated an impressive 20 years of service to the Village of Lansing and is currently assigned to Black Shift at Station 29 on the south end of town, where he serves as the Lieutenant of Engine 29.

Throughout his career, Tim has developed extensive experience in fire investigation and remains an active member of the MABAS Division 24 Fire Investigation Team. He is also an IAAI Certified Fire Investigator (IAAI-CFI) with more than a decade of experience investigating fires in both the public and private sectors. That experience has made him a valuable resource not only when determining the origin and cause of fires, but also in helping other members better understand fire behavior and what the scene can tell us after the fire is out.

As a company officer, Tim brings a strong and steady leadership style to Black Shift and the members assigned to it. Despite his years of experience both on the job and as an officer, Tim continues to approach the fire service with the belief that there is always something more to learn. Whether it's on the fireground, in the firehouse, in the classroom, or learning from the members around him, he continues looking for ways to grow as both a firefighter and a leader; and encourages those working alongside him to do the same.

Tim has also previously served his fellow members as part of the Foreign Fire Insurance (2%) Board, contributing his time to another aspect of improving the firehouses and supporting our membership.

Congratulations, Tim, on 20 years of service to the Lansing Fire Department, Local 3709, and the community we proudly serve. Here's to many more.

Village of Lansing
Village of Lansing Fire Department

09/04/2026

Join us in wishing Firefighter/Paramedic William "Billy" Joyce a happy 4th work anniversary with the Lansing Fire Department!

Billy recently celebrated 4 years of service to the Village of Lansing and is currently assigned to Black Shift at Station 29 on the south end of town, where he is primarily assigned to Ambulance 29.

Throughout his first four years with the department, Billy has gained experience working alongside members on each of our three shifts and across the different apparatus and assignments that come with the job. He has also remained active in continuing his education, regularly attending classes and training opportunities to expand his knowledge, skills, and experience as a firefighter and paramedic.

When he's not answering calls or training, Billy can often be found tinkering around one of the stations or working on his latest project. Whether it's fixing something, improving something, or finding a better way to get something done, he has taken the old saying of "leave it better than you found it" to heart and has helped make plenty of improvements around our firehouses along the way.

Billy is also an active member of Local 3709's Foreign Fire Insurance (2%) Board, where he currently serves as Treasurer and helps oversee funds used for equipment, facility improvements, and other purchases that benefit our members and firehouses.

Congratulations, Billy, on 4 years of service to the Lansing Fire Department, Local 3709, and the community we proudly serve. Here's to many more.

Village of Lansing
Village of Lansing Fire Department

09/03/2026

Join us in wishing Lieutenant/Paramedic Kyle Hasselbring a happy 12th work anniversary with the Lansing Fire Department!

Throughout his tenure with the Lansing Fire Department, Kyle has worn several different hats and found numerous ways to contribute to both the department and his fellow local members. He began his career in Lansing as a part-time firefighter/paramedic before making the transition to full-time and continuing to take on greater roles and responsibilities along the way.

Kyle is currently assigned to Red Shift at Station 31 on the north end of town, where he serves as the Lieutenant assigned to Truck 31. Earlier this year, Kyle reached another milestone in his career when he was promoted to Lieutenant in May, continuing the progression that began when he first joined the department 12 years ago.

Beyond his regular shift responsibilities, Kyle also serves as an Assistant Training Coordinator, helping facilitate department training and ensuring our members continue developing the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively serve our community.

Kyle's involvement also extends to his fellow members of Local 3709, where he serves as Chief Steward on the Executive Board. In that role, he has been instrumental in representing our membership and working alongside the rest of the E-Board to strengthen our collective bargaining agreements, improve benefits and working conditions, and continue moving our Local forward.

Congratulations, Kyle, on 12 years of service to the Lansing Fire Department, Local 3709, and the community we proudly serve. Here's to many more.

Village of Lansing
Village of Lansing Fire Department

09/02/2026

It's been a busy summer for your Lansing Local 3709 members these past 2 months.

Two significant severe weather events swept through the Village within weeks of each other, bringing widespread damage and record call volumes. Several serious structure fires in town kept crews busy with our members also responding to numerous mutual aid fire calls to assist surrounding communities. And on top of all of it, the day-to-day emergencies never stopped coming.

With the frequency, seriousness, and sheer volume of these incidents, we’ve fallen a little behind on some of our regular posts, including recognizing some important milestones for our members. We didn't want those to go unrecognized, so before the summer ends, we've got some catching up to do.

Starting with...

Wishing Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Hameister a happy 5th work anniversary with the Lansing Fire Department!

Michael recently celebrated 5 years of service to the Village of Lansing and is currently assigned to Red Shift at Station 29 on the south end of town. While based out of Station 29, Michael regularly splits his time between Engine 29 and Truck 31, working both the back step and driver's seat depending on the day's assignment.

With the recent retirement of one of Red Shift's longtime senior members, Michael is now the most senior firefighter on the shift, bringing five years of experience to a group that's added several newer members over the same stretch. He's quickly become a steady presence for them.

In his five years, Michael has responded to thousands of calls for service, including working fires, EMS calls, and special operations responses throughout Lansing and our surrounding communities. As he starts his sixth year, he'll continue building on that experience alongside his fellow members of Red Shift.

Congratulations, Michael, on 5 years of service to the Lansing Fire Department, Local 3709, and the community we proudly serve. Here's to many more.

Village of Lansing
Village of Lansing Fire Department

08/22/2026

After 20 years of dedicated service to the Village of Lansing, Brother Firefighter/Paramedic Justin Holata is hanging up his gear and beginning the next chapter as he retires from the Lansing Fire Department!

Justin joined the department in 2006 and is currently assigned to Red Shift, where he serves as the shift's senior firefighter. Over the course of two decades, Justin has accumulated a wealth of fire and EMS experience, responding to countless emergencies and serving generations of residents and visitors throughout the Village of Lansing.

As the senior firefighter on his shift, Justin's years on the job have made him a source of experience and institutional knowledge for those who have worked alongside him. Throughout his career, he has watched the department grow and evolve while helping pass along the lessons and traditions of the job to newer generations of firefighters and paramedics.

In addition to his regular duties on the line, Justin previously served with the department's Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program, helping educate and work with youth in our community to prevent dangerous fire-setting behaviors before they could lead to tragedy.

Today marks Justin's final shift, bringing his 20-year career to a close. Members, friends, and family are invited to join us tomorrow at 9:00 AM as Justin completes his final walk-out from the firehouse and officially signs off for the last time.

Brother Holata, thank you for 20 years of service, sacrifice, and commitment to the Lansing Fire Department, Local 3709, and the community we proudly serve.

Congratulations on a career well served. We wish you and your family a long, happy, healthy, and well-earned retirement. Enjoy it Brother, you've earned it!

Village of Lansing
Village of Lansing Fire Department

Lansing Professional Fire Fighters Local 3709

09/07/2026

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