The Illinois General Assembly has passed legislation to honor fallen Ashkum firefighter Dana Schoolman, 30 years after he lost his life in the line of duty.

WGFA/WIBK News reported this story recently when Representative Tom Bennett announced the Illinois House approval of a Resolution to recognize Dana Schoolman’s heroic actions. Now, the state Senate has followed suit with support from Senator Jason Barickman.

"Dana Schoolman is a hero who gave his life while trying to save the lives of others,” said State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington), sponsor of the legislation. “My hope is that this will help keep his memory alive so his sacrifice can continue to inspire others."

Dana Schoolman was a volunteer firefighter with the Ashkum Township Fire Protection District for six years. Schoolman was killed in an accident while responding to a medical emergency call on Nov. 6, 1988. He was 31 years old and was survived by his wife, Anne, and two children.

Senate Joint Resolution 8 designates the section of U.S. Route 45 from Illinois State Route 116 to Iroquois County Road 2400 North as the “Firefighter Dana Schoolman Memorial Highway” and directs the Illinois Department of Transportation to place signs denoting it as such.

“It’s been just over 30 years since Dana Schoolman gave his life,” said Senator Barickman. “I’d like to thank everyone, including his dedicated widow Anne, for helping us to get this done.”

The legislation was cosponsored in the Illinois House by State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City).

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