In January of 1993, Illinois union firefighters met in Springfield to try something new. This meeting was made to organize the
first ever State-wide IAFF honor guard for firefighters. The purpose of the honor guard is to honor the life of a fallen
 firefighter. To do this, members of the honor guard will help assist and guide in the conducting and
performance of fallen line of duty firefighter funeral services. Fifteen years later, over 500
 members are part of the AFFI Honor Guard. When honor guard members are at
funerals, they are considered guests, and are there to offer assistance to the
local, and the family during the service of a fallen firefighter.