North Egypt News

Right before it ended its session, the House passed a measure to rename a stretch of Illinois Route 148 in Christopher to honor the memory of firefighter Kody M. Vanfossan.

The bill was introduced on March 29 by Rep. Dave Severin (R-Marion) and passed unanimously in the House with 111 votes. It was sent to the Senate on April 8, and is currently awaiting a vote in the Senate Committee on Assignments. 

Speaking from the floor on April 8, Severin recounted Vanfossan's bravery on May 5, 2019.

"He died doing what he loved while battling a six-alarm commercial fire in Christopher, Ill. with his father who's a CFD captain," Severin said. "They were the first ones on the scene and performed a primary search of the first floor. After completing the search and knocking down the fire they proceeded to the second floor. During this time, conditions deteriorated rapidly. As Kody and his dad were making their way out of the building, a stairway collapsed trapping them in the building. Kody’s dad made it out. Kody did not. 

"For those brave men and women that give us the last full measure of their devotion, the ultimate sacrifice, I believe it's appropriate that we memorialize their service to our communities," Severin said. "So in honor of Kody and as a measure of respect for the Vanfossan family and firefighters that give their lives in the protection of others, I ask for your support to rename Illinois Route 148 near Christopher as the firefighter Kody M. Vanfossan Memorial Highway."