Our Mission
Ignite the Spirit – What comes to your mind when you hear these words? The Board Members of Ignite the Spirit would like you to be aware of the countless efforts that our charity represents, such as community involvement, assisting our brothers and sisters of the Chicago Fire Department, and the passion and commitment to make a difference.
Ignite the Spirit is a charity that has been around since 2003 and has helped over 750 families in need. Ignite the Spirit has donated over 2.0 million dollars to ease the hardship of Chicago Fire Department families. We understand what it means to give back to the less fortunate, and to be there for a person in his or her darkest moments. It is never good to see strong, brave people who protect and help the public every day in such despair, often with nowhere to turn. In all that we do for others, we not only respect each other’s privacy, we also respect each other’s pride.
That is why Ignite the Spirit takes great pride in being able to make a difference in the lives of people when called upon. Whether it is delivering toys to sick kids in the hospital at Christmas, or riding a bicycle 1000 miles to help raise money for pediatric cancer research, Ignite the Spirit has proven it wants to make a difference. The Ignite the Spirit Firefighter and Paramedic Calendar is just one of many things we do throughout the year to raise money for our families and others in need. The support we have been able to give has been significant, and the overwhelming amount of gratitude given back is priceless. Ignite the Spirit continues on without much fanfare, embodying the spirit of our slogan “We are HERE when you need us.”
We encourage you to learn more about Ignite the Spirit and the great work we do throughout the year. We ask for your support in spreading the word about our charity and all the great work Ignite the Spirit has done. Please take time to review our website for upcoming events, fundraisers and to learn how you can become involved. As always, we appreciate your encouragement and continued support – we couldn’t do what we do without it.
Board of Directors
Mark Jadwin
Board Member
markj@ignitethespirit.org
Mark J. Jadwin, active member of Tower Ladder 21 since 1980. 40 plus years on the Chicago Fire Department. Ignite The Spirit board member since 2003. I am a proud member of this organization, we have made many accomplishments. I have always been excited when it comes to our coast to coast bike rides and when we have traveled from city to city. I look forward to the many years ahead and the great accomplishments that are awaiting for us in the near future. Much thanks to Rich Pinskey, without his dedication to Ignite The Spirit none of this would be possible. I am very honored to be part of this incredible group.
Jim Pack
Board Member
jimp@ignitethespirit.org
Jim Pack is a 19 year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department serving as a Relief Lieutenant in the 2nd District. He was born and raised in Chicago’s Northwest side attending St.Edwards Elementary and Weber High School. Jim has served in many parts of the city and has also taught at the Quinn Fire Academy as an Instructor and Drill Master for candidate classes. He also was one of the founding members of the CFD Blaze a first responder football team that plays around the country for charity. Jim is an active member of the CFD Honor Guard. Prior to joining CFD, Jim also served in the United States Army in Infantry and Phsycological Operations units. Jim is married to Lisa Pack and has three girls Allison (22) Grace (20) and Mackenzie (15) who also are all involved in helping the Ignite The Spirit mission. In his free time, Jim loves to fish and travel and is currently working on his Bachelor Degree in Public Safety Management through Southern Illinois University.
Matt Straley
Board Member
matts@ignitethespirit.org
Matt has been involved with Ignite the Spirit for over 10 years. He recently became a board member after joining the Department five years ago. Matt brings with him a unique perspective, having worked in corporate America managing projects in logistics and gaming for many years. As an extension of that work, he oversees our online giving platform.
Outside of his board responsibilities, Matt is deeply involved with Local 2 and is an avid cyclist, planning and riding in many charity rides. When not working on Ambo 33 on Chicago’s Westside, organizing fundraising events, or helping his union brothers and sisters, he enjoys spending time with his wife Julie and their two kids in Mt. Greenwood.
As a board member, Matt is devoted to helping CFD’s members, their families, and the communities in which they live and work, in their times of need.
Rick Florczak
Board Member
rickf@ignitethespirit.org
I joined the Chicago fire service as part of the 2001 class, starting on October 16. From the moment I joined the academy, I followed the advice of our retired District Chief, Steve Chikerotis: 'Never stop learning, always give back to this great job, and help those in need.' Inspired by these words, I returned to school and obtained my paramedic license, was promoted twice from Firefighter to Engineer, and now to Lieutenant. My first experience giving back to the job was competing in a firefighter special of the TV game show 'The Family Feud.' I’ve climbed into the boxing ring three times for the 'Battle of the Badges,' ridden 500 miles on a bicycle from Chicago to Mackinac Island, competed in three Chicago triathlons, and run four marathons, all in the name of charity. Now, as a board member of Ignite the Spirit, I consider it a great honor to help the men and women of this job that I love so much.
Brian McKermitt
Board Member
brianm@ignitethespirit.org
I'm Brian McKermitt, a retired member of the Chicago Fire Department who served the city of Chicago for 32 years. A lifelong resident of Chicago, my family currently calls the Northwest side of the city home. Throughout my career, I had the pleasure of working throughout the city and interacting with many brothers and sisters, both currently working and retired from the department. During my career, I witnessed firsthand the love and compassion that Ignite the Spirit shares with its members. I was inspired to become more involved with the fund because of its dedication to helping those within the Department in their time of need. As a first-generation firefighter, I've experienced the strong bonds many share, considering the CFD their second family. The motto 'We're there when you need us' also applies to the Ignite the Spirit fund, as they continuously demonstrate their willingness to step up for our Chicago Fire Department families.