CONGRATS-FF-EMT GINO CASCIOLA

104th Regular Session Introduced by Seth Lewis and 1 co-sponsor

Recognizes Firefighter-Paramedic Gino Casciola for rescuing five people during a 2020 Addison fire, earning the Illinois Fire Service Medal of Honor.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of SR0793 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and Intent

This is a Senate Resolution recognizing and congratulating Firefighter-Paramedic Gino Casciola of the Addison Fire Protection District #1.

The resolution honors Casciola for being awarded the Illinois Fire Service Medal of Honor, the highest state award for bravery in the Illinois fire service.

Key Provisions and Content

Declares that the Illinois Fire Service Medal of Honor is the state's top decoration for acts of outstanding bravery or heroism by a firefighter, demonstrated with selflessness, courage, and risk under adverse conditions.

Recites the events of the May 21, 2020 (the text shows “May 21, 152025” likely a formatting error; intended date is May 21, 2020) commercial structure fire at 330 West Lake Street in Addison, where conditions deteriorated and a door-to-exit evacuation was ordered.

Describes Casciola’s actions during the incident:

Maintained position at the threshold to assist with egress.
Helped evacuate three interior members under zero-visibility and extreme heat.
Ignored personal safety danger to locate and extract two additional missing members.
Re-entered the structure twice to locate the remaining members, clearing the exit path and rescuing all five total individuals (including two lieutenants and three firefighter-paramedics) without injuries.

States that these actions exemplify the highest traditions of firefighting and reflect credit on Casciola and the Addison Fire Protection District #1.

Announces that Casciola will be presented the Illinois Fire Service Medal of Honor at the Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Firefighting Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony in Springfield on May 12, 2026.

The resolution expresses congratulations and appreciation for Casciola’s service to the Addison community and the State of Illinois.

The resolution directs that a suitable copy be presented to Casciola as an expression of esteem and respect.

Who/What Is Affected

Individual: Firefighter-Paramedic Gino Casciola (Addison Fire Protection District #1).

Institution: Addison Fire Protection District #1 and the Illinois Fire Service community.

State recognition: Public acknowledgment by the Illinois Senate; potential ceremonial presentation of the Medal of Honor in 2026.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

This is a commemorative, non-binding concurrent/State Senate resolution recognizing a recipient.

Recipient to be awarded the Illinois Fire Service Medal of Honor at a ceremony in Springfield on May 12, 2026.

Sponsored in the Senate by the 104th General Assembly with co-sponsors Seth Lewis and Karina Villa.

Additional Notes

The bill is a ceremonial honor and does not enact new law or allocate funds beyond formal recognition.

A minor date formatting issue appears in the text (likely a transcription artifact): the incident date is intended to be May 21, 2020, not “May 21, 152025.”