The Champaign Fire Department and the Champaign Exchange Club will honor the 2022 Firefighter of the Year recipient, Captain JP Childers, on May 1. A ceremony will be held at Sammy’s Pancake House, 1206 N. Mattis Ave., from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Captain JP Childers was selected as the Firefighter of the Year for his dedication to the education and training of his fellow firefighters. For 14 months during the Covid pandemic, JP served as the acting Battalion Chief of Training for the Champaign Fire Department. The role of the firefighter is constantly evolving and is extremely dangerous. From firefighting, to hazardous materials mitigation, to emergency medical responses, firefighters encounter situations that evolve quickly and often can be life threatening. Informed decisions and muscle memory can help prevent injury and death and save property.
Media is welcome and encouraged to attend the ceremony. Media should contact Randy Smith at 217-403-7200 to confirm their attendance.