Hoffman Estates firefighter honored with 2026 Outstanding Young Person Award
The Illinois Jaycees has announced that Kurt Lichtenberg, 36, of Warrenville has been named a recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Young Person Award in the category of Humanitarian and/or Voluntary Leadership. The award recognizes his innovation, leadership and commitment to inclusive community service.
Sworn into the Hoffman Estates Fire Department in 2014, Lichtenberg has built a career defined by professionalism, compassion and public education. Promoted to Lieutenant-Paramedic and Public Education Officer in 2024, he oversees safety programs that reach thousands of residents each year. In 2024, he and his incredible team launched the Fully Involved Fire Academy in partnership with the Northwest Special Recreation Association, the first program in Illinois to provide individuals with disabilities hands-on firefighting experiences. The six-week academy adapts live-fire training and rescue simulations to create authentic, inclusive learning opportunities that build confidence and independence.
Lichtenberg and his team volunteer as Logistics Division Leader at Camp I-Am-Me for children with burn injuries and volunteers with Special Spaces to create dream bedrooms for children with cancer. A Purdue University graduate and former Academic All Big-Ten honoree, he previously completed multiple international mission trips and received the National Football Foundation Citizenship Award.
Lichtenberg will be formally recognized at the 2026 Illinois TOYP Awards Ceremony on April 11, where he will join other inspiring young leaders from across the state whose work is creating meaningful impact. The event is supported by friends, families and employers of the honorees, local Jaycees organizations, Illinois businesses including INB and the Illinois Jaycees Charitable Foundation.
“It is a true honor to receive this award,” Lichtenberg said. “Any accomplishment, success or impact I have been fortunate to be a part of can be largely credited to the team of men and women I work alongside. This award encourages our team to continue to make a difference and relentlessly work to make our communities safer and stronger.”
“Our Outstanding Young Persons honorees exemplify what it means to dream big, empower leaders and inspire impact as remarkable champions of community service and professionalism,” said Megan O’Brien, 95th President of the Illinois Jaycees. “Through integrity, dedication, and leadership, each has made a meaningful difference that will resonate across Illinois for years to come.”
Additional information can be found at illinoisjaycees.com/toyp-2026. INB is a privately held national bank and is a proud supporter of the Illinois Jaycees TOYP program. Founded in 1999 in Springfield, the bank offers both personal and commercial banking products and wealth services in Central Illinois. The bank provides commercial banking services in Missouri and Florida. The Illinois Jaycees and its local chapters mission is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change. Members enhance a variety of skills as they work together to plan and run civic and individual development activities in their community. People between 21 and 40 are invited to learn more about becoming a member by visiting palatinejaycees.org or e-mailing info@palatinejaycees.org.