Funeral, Procession Down Algonquin Road Planned For Firefighter

ALGONQUIN, IL – The local community as well as firefighters from across the suburbs are expressing their condolences and sharing fond memories following the sudden death of Algonquin firefighter John-Paul Kilanski. Kilanski, 39, died at his home while off-duty, according to a post on the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District. He spent 16 years with the local fire department and is also a retired sergeant with the United States Army where he served oversees in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Prior to his death, he served as a drill captain with Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Honor Guard and was a member of the fire department's Technical Rescue Team. Kilanski, also known as J.P, recently received a commendation for his life-saving efforts in a technical rescue incident.

He leaves behind a wife and three young sons. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help cover his "final expenses."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his three boys, his family, and his friends at this incredibly hard time. Although he was a great fireman, a great paramedic, and a great soldier, J.P. was an even better friend and father, and we will miss him dearly," according to the Facebook post.

A wake is set for this Sunday, July 29 and will run from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Willow Funeral Home, 1415 Algonquin Road in Algonquin. His funeral will start at 10:15 on Monday, July, 30, with a full fire department procession past Algonquin fire station's 1 and 3 and his home before ending at St. Margaret Mary Church, 111 South Hubbard Street in Algonquin. A funeral mass will begin at 11 a.m. at the church.

Photo via the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District