Fire Service Women of Illinois

Taylor currently serves as Treasurer of FSWI and is a firefighter/paramedic with the Aurora Fire Department. She began her fire service career in 2014 with the North Aurora Fire Protection District while teaching high school science, later becoming the department’s first female fire investigator. Beyond her role as a fire investigator, she is also a hazardous materials technician, AFFI Honor Guard member, and since 2024, Assistant Coordinator for the MABAS Division 13 Hazardous Materials Team. Passionate about education and mentorship, Taylor advises Aurora Explorers Post #99, serves on the department’s recruitment team, and teaches CPR. She remains a dedicated student of the profession, regularly attending conferences and training to expand her skills.

Reka Bodoni started in the Fire Service in 1999 as a POC in the LaGrange Park Fire Department and then was hired full-time in 2000 at the Alsip Fire Department. She was promoted to Lieutenant in 2018 and is currently in charge of an engine/truck jump company at Station 2. In addition to rotating through the Shift Commander role, Reka also runs recruit training for all new hires. LT/PM Bodoni completed her BA in Management in 2010 and started instructing through the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) in 2012. In 2021, she took over as the IFSI Smoke Divers Program Manager and continues to instruct in the Vehicle Machinery program. Reka has been a member of the Fire Service Women of Illinois since 2006. She acted as treasurer from 2008 until 2024 when she became the vice president.

Abigail serves as the Secretary of FSWI and is the newest member of the board. Beginning her fire service career in 2022, she now serves three rural communities as a firefighter, engineer, and EMT. She recently completed paramedic school as valedictorian and is preparing to sit for the national paramedic exam in August 2025. Dedicated to growth and service, Abigail mentors new firefighters and EMTs while pursuing further education. She is working toward an Associate’s degree in Paramedicine with plans to advance to a Bachelor’s in Emergency Management. Her long-term goals include earning wilderness paramedic certification and becoming wildland fire certified, with aspirations of securing full-time employment in a rural community. Outside of work, Abigail enjoys life with her Blue Heeler and continues building her career with passion and purpose. She holds certifications as a Basic Operations Firefighter, Fire Apparatus Engineer, and NREMT-B.

Christy Lynch is President of FSWI and brings nearly 30 years of fire service experience to the organization. A Lieutenant with the Village of Bolingbrook since 2003, her career spans private ambulance, combination, and volunteer departments, giving her a broad view of emergency services. She holds a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and Fire Executive Management, has completed the Chief Officer Certification Program, and is a longtime fitness instructor. Christy is passionate about firefighter education and leadership development, holding certifications including Instructor III, Fire Officer II, Safety Officer, Health Safety Officer, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Hazardous Materials Operations, Paramedic, and Lead Instructor. A proud wife and mother of four, she remains dedicated to advancing firefighter training, mentorship, and professional growth across Illinois.

Katie serves as the Community Manager for FSWI, a role she has held since 2022 after becoming a member in 2014. Her fire service career began with a private ambulance company and a paid-on-call position with a suburban department before joining the Streamwood Fire Department in 2012 as a Firefighter/Paramedic. In 2025, she was promoted to Lieutenant. Dedicated to both technical expertise and mentorship, Katie is a member of her department’s Technical Rescue Team and the MABAS Division 1 TRT team. She leads the department’s new hire mentor group and is actively involved in public education, working with local elementary schools. Extending her passion for developing the next generation of women in fire service, she also proctors basic fire academy classes at Elgin Community College’s Center for Emergency Services. Outside of her career, Katie is a proud wife and mother of three young children.

Deb Lezon is a veteran firefighter/paramedic with over 30 years of service and a valued member of FSWI since 2006. After retiring from the Buffalo Grove Fire Department in 2018, where she served as acting lieutenant and CPR Coordinator, she remained active in education and emergency management. An American Heart Association CPR Instructor for more than three decades, Deb also teaches with Louisiana State University’s National Center for Biomedical Research and Training and will earn her Master’s in Homeland Security/Emergency Management in December 2025. Beyond the fire service, she volunteers with Team Rubicon, SOUL Harbour Ranch, and the Daughters of the American Revolution, operates a training company, and brings her certified therapy dog to schools, libraries, and nursing facilities.

Alicia McCoy has been involved in the Fire Service Women of Illinois organization since 2002 as one of the founding members. Alicia has served as Secretary, and President in the organization. A recently retired, in 2021, Fire Chief of Abbott Fire Department and member of the Illinois Fire Service for 36 years in various roles, Alicia wishes to continue to use her experience with Illinois Fire Service to further the education and advancement of women. Alicia feels FSWI is a longstanding organization in Illinois and the state fire departments get a multitude of support from the organization, from training to policy suggestions. The value of FSWI affects all our emergency response organizations and the organization is a valuable resource to women everywhere. Alicia runs 828 Consulting and Training and can be reached via email at Alicia.mccoy.828@gmail.com