1-800-BoardUp of Southwest Suburbs of Chicago

06/17/2026

As we reflect on the incredible success of our first “Brotherhood and Bourbon” event benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, one thing is abundantly clear: none of this would have been possible without the amazing support of our sponsors.
To every sponsor who supported this event, please know how much your generosity means to us. Your support helped make this evening far more than just a fundraiser. It became an opportunity to bring people together, honor the fallen, support their families, and strengthen the bonds that make the fire service so special.
The success of this event belongs to all of you as much as it does to us. We are truly grateful for your trust, your partnership, and your commitment to a cause that impacts so many lives.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us and helping make this event such a meaningful success. We are proud to have you as part of our extended fire service family. ❤️
National Fire Sprinkler Association - NFSA Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB) The Herbie Johnson Foundation Responder Bourbon 5.11 Tactical Air One Equipment, Inc. Rooftop Johnny's Skyline Property Restoration 1-800-BOARDUP Fire Service, Inc.

06/16/2026

WE ARE HIRING!!!!!! Come join us, we have 3 openings to fill!

06/15/2026

Some people spend a lifetime talking about making a difference. 1-800-BoardUp of Rolling Meadows Director Tom Taff has spent a lifetime doing it.
This weekend, Tom hosted his 25th Annual “Bucks for Burn Camp” Softball Tournament benefitting Camp I Am Me by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance.
Teams hit the fields for a day of classic “Chicago-style” 16 inch softball with lots of laughs, friendly competition, and most importantly, all for a great cause. 🥎
For 33 years, Tom has been dedicated to raising funds for this incredible organization that helps young burn survivors heal, grow, and thrive. For more than 16 of those years, he has had the unwavering support of his longtime sponsor Aldridge Electric, Inc.
We’re incredibly proud to have Tom on our team and grateful to everyone who came together this weekend to support such an important mission. The impact of your generosity reaches far beyond the softball fields. 

06/15/2026

06/12/2026

06/11/2026

Today, our team had the privilege of providing lunch for the amazing young women participating in Camp EmpowHer hosted by the Bolingbrook Fire Department.
This camp is so much more than a few days of training. It gives young women ages 14-18 the chance to step into the world of fire and emergency services, learn new skills, challenge themselves, and see firsthand what a career in the fire services can look like.
Watching these participants pull hose, work with equipment, learn search and rescue techniques, and learned CPR and first aid is truly inspiring. Just as important, they are being mentor by strong female firefighters who are showing them that there are no limits to what they can achieve.
At 1-800-BOARDUP of the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago, we are proud to support programs that invest in the next generation. A huge thank you to the Bolingbrook Fire Department and everyone who helped make this camp possible. The confidence, teamwork, and leadership these young women are developing will serve them well, no matter where life takes them.
We are honored to play a small part in such a meaningful program and can’t wait to see what the future holds for these impressive young ladies.

06/11/2026

🥃 What an incredible night! 🥃
Last night we hosted our first “Brotherhood and Bourbon” National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Bourbon Tasting, and thanks to all of you, it was a completely sold out success.
Our guests enjoyed some great bourbon (Responder Bourbon), live music, raffle prizes and of course, great company!
We were honored to have local NFL football player and Super Bowl champion, Pat O’Connor join us for the evening. Pat generously donated a signed game-worn jersey, along with Bears vs. Lions tickets, and autographed baseball caps to help raise additional funds for the NFFF. 
A special thank you to The Yard Foundation ❤️, who showed up in full force to support the NFFF. We were also proud to have members of the Palos Heights Fire Protection District and the Merrionette Park Fire Department who brought out their apparatus to raise our flag. On top of that, we had a bagpiper from the Pipes & Drums of the Chicago Police Department whose amazing performance added a meaningful touch to the evening.
But most importantly, we would like to thank every person who purchased a ticket, donated, volunteered, sponsored or simply showed up to support this mission. Because of your generosity, we were able to raise funds to support the families of our nations fallen firefighters and help ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. 🫶🏼
We truly couldn’t have asked for a better first event, and after the incredible response, we may have just started a new tradition. 😁

06/07/2026

06/07/2026