Bloomington Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 49

10/11/2026

Official page for the City of Bloomington, Illinois Fire Department

08/07/2026

Happy to support our Brother Matt Steinkoenig for McLean County Board District 10 from Normal Firefighters in his run for McLean County Board District 10.

07/14/2026

Thank you, State Senator Sally Turner , for stopping by today and presenting us with this beautiful picture of the Illinois State Firefighters Memorial. It was a pleasure to visit with you!

Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day from Bloomington Firefighters Local #49!

​Today, we want to give a special shout-out to all the incredible dads and father figures in our Bloomington community. We know the dedication, sacrifices, and love you give to your families every single day.

​To our own Bloomington Firefighter Dads, we salute you. Thank you for your service to this city and for being amazing fathers to your children. We hope you all have a safe, wonderful day celebrating with the people you love.

​Enjoy your day!

06/17/2026

It is with profound sadness that Bloomington Firefighters Local 49 announces the sudden passing of Captain James Schreiber.

Captain Schreiber dedicated 29 years of his life to protecting the citizens of the City of Bloomington. Throughout his nearly three decades of service, he led with unwavering courage, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the community he swore to protect. His loss will be felt deeply within our department and throughout the city.

We ask the Bloomington community to please keep Captain Schreiber’s wife, his family, and his friends in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in peace, Captain Schreiber. Thank you for your decades of selfless service.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF CAPTAIN JAMES SCHREIBER

June 17, 2026

Bloomington Fire Department Mourns the Loss of a Dedicated Member

With profound sadness, the Bloomington Fire Department announces the sudden off-duty passing of Captain James Schreiber on Monday, June 15, 2026. Captain Schreiber was a pillar of our department and an invaluable member of our fire service family. His loss is deeply felt by every member of the Bloomington Fire Department and the community he served with distinction.

Career & Service
Captain Schreiber began his distinguished career with the Bloomington Fire Department on March 10, 1997. He was promoted to Engineer on November 1, 2008, and to Captain on June 14, 2019 — a role in which he led his crew with wisdom, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public safety for over 29 years of service.

Commendations & Awards
Captain Schreiber was the proud recipient of the following: Life Saving Award | Unit Citation Award | Chief’s Vision Award | Advanced Education Award

Statement from Fire Chief Cory Matheny
“Captain James Schreiber was the very definition of what it means to serve. For over 29 years, he showed up for this department, for his crew, and for the citizens of Bloomington with integrity and heart. On behalf of the entire Bloomington Fire Department, I extend my deepest condolences to James’s family and to every member of this department who is grieving alongside them. His memory will live on in everything we do.”
— Fire Chief Cory Matheny, Bloomington Fire Department

Funeral Arrangements
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Carmody Flynn Funeral Home in Bloomington, IL. Visitation is Friday, June 19, 2026, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Funeral service is Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 10 am. The department asks the community to keep Captain Schreiber’s family in their thoughts and prayers.
Captain James Schreiber’s presence will be sorely missed. He was a valued member of this department and a true public servant. May he rest in eternal peace.
CONTACT: Captain Frank Friend-Public Information Officer
[email protected]
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