The Anchor Point

04/05/2026

Happy Easter from all of us at TAP! And as always on the holidays we remember our first responders and military personnel serving today that are away from friends and family. We see you and appreciate you!

01/30/2026

TAP wants to send a huge congratulations to TAP President Josh Jessup on this outstanding accomplishment!

Champaign Fire is proud to announce that Deputy Chief Josh Jessup has been accepted into the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI). Josh competed with applicants from across the country and Canada to become a member of the 2026 cohort program.

01/21/2026

Big news here at The Anchor Point, we’ve entered 2026 with a full board of directors. Please welcome your current board of TAP. We look forward to continuing to serve our communities!

President-Josh Jessup
Vice President-Brent Daugherty
Secretary-Jamee Crawford
Treasurer-Terry Gattis
Mark Ashby
Troy Dunn
Joel Jessup
Sarah Jessup
Brandon Merano
Andy Quarnstrom
Walker Westfield

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us at The Anchor Point, stay tuned for some awesome announcements in 2026!

11/27/2025

TAP would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for all the hard work of our members and are thankful for all of the support! More to come in 2026!

08/11/2025

Support Brad Howle During His Recovery

On August 6, 2025, our dear friend, colleague, and fellow firefighter, Brad Howle, underwent emergency surgery at Carle Hospital after being diagnosed with a perforated bowel. Brad’s condition required immediate attention, and though the surgery was successful, he will be in the hospital for at least two weeks and facing a long road to recovery.

As the primary breadwinner for his family—his wife, Laynie, and their 2-year-old son, Trace—Brad’s absence during this critical time will undoubtedly put a financial strain on them. In addition to being a loving husband and father, Brad is an essential part of our community.

Support Brad Howle During His Recovery On August 6, 2025, our dear … Dana Garard needs your support for Help Brad Howle Recover and Support His Family

07/23/2025

Memorial shirts for Trace are available for purchase. All proceeds go directly to the family. Please purchase one to help them with ongoing expenses. Link will be in the comments as well. Thank you!

07/21/2025

It was a beautiful service to honor a great human. Rest easy and til Valhalla brother

07/19/2025

See the photo for info on services to honor our colleague and friend Trace Conover

07/16/2025

Thank you to each and every one of you that was able to make it out to the City of Champaign Fire Department Family Event last night to honor FF Trace Conover. We would like to especially thank TM Horse Haven, Old Orchard Lanes and Links, Illini Media Group (WIXY 100.3, WYXY Classic 99.1, Rewind 92.5, Mix 94.5 - Champaign/Urbana, IL, Extra 96.9, 97.9 The Vibe), Champaign Firefighters Benevolent Fund, and Champaign Firefighters Local 1260 for helping us make this happen.

07/14/2025

Thank you for your compassion and generosity as we come together to remember and
honor Trace.

Venmo: https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3704867235301182751&created=1752255900.445482&printed=1

PayPal:
https://www.paypal.me/ChampFireBenevolent?locale.x=en_US

Check: Champaign Firefighters Benevolent Fund
1601 Bentbrook Drive Champaign, IL 61822

07/11/2025

In Loving Memory of Trace Conover

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we at The Anchor Point mourn the loss of Firefighter Trace Conover, who passed away off duty on July 9, 2025.

Trace was more than a firefighter—he was a dedicated advocate, a loyal friend, and a compassionate presence within our TAP community. He understood the weight that first responders carry, and he chose to serve not only on the front lines but also behind the scenes, working to support the emotional and mental well-being of his peers.

As a proud member of TAP and a recently appointed member of our Board of Directors, Trace brought integrity, insight, and quiet strength to everything he did. His commitment to the mission of peer support and his desire to be a part of something bigger than himself made him a natural fit within our organization and a beloved part of our family.

We are devastated by his loss, but we remain inspired by the example he set—showing up for others, standing beside his brothers and sisters in service, and believing that no one should face the weight of this work alone.

Our thoughts are with Trace’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters. We grieve together, we honor his memory, and we carry his legacy forward with purpose and resolve.

Rest easy, Trace. We’ll take it from here.

— The Anchor Point 501c3