Hoffman Estates Fire Department Lieutenant Kurt Lichtenberg was recently named Illinois Firefighter of the Year at the annual Illinois American Legion Convention in Springfield, Illinois. As the winner of the Illinois Firefighter of the Year Award, Lieutenant Lichtenberg will automatically be considered for the National American Legion Firefighter of the Year Award this year.

Lieutenant Lichtenberg was nominated for the state award based on the merit of his work at the Hoffman Estates Fire Department. In addition to his regular duties leading a crew and fire station on one of the Department’s three shifts, Lieutenant Lichtenberg serves as the Department’s Public Education Officer, managing the Public Education Division and all the Department’s school visits, public appearances, station tours, citizen fire academies, open houses, and more.

Lichtenberg also recently developed the Fire Department’s “Fully Involved Fire Academy” for citizens with special needs. The inaugural offering of this unique program, which is the first of its kind in the region, is now underway in partnership with the Northwest Special Recreation District. 

“On behalf of the Village Board, our staff members, and the citizens of our Village, I congratulate Lieutenant Lichtenberg on this award,” said Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod.  Of course, we are so proud of Kurt and all that he does every day as a Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic, our Public Education Officer, and active member of our community.”

For the past several years, Lieutenant Lichtenberg has also volunteered in his off-time as the leader of the Logistics Division of Camp I-am-Me, a week-long summer camp conducted by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance for children who have sustained burn injuries. 

“The Hoffman Estates Fire Department was deeply honored to nominate Kurt for this award in recognition of not only his excellent work in the Department, but also his community and charitable involvement, positive influence on the fire service and community partnerships, setting an excellent example, and his consummate professionalism,” said Hoffman Estates Fire Chief Alan Wax. “We very much appreciate American Legion Post #1983 endorsing this nomination and forwarding the nomination to the state Legion’s award committee for consideration.”