By John Dempsey, WLS-AM News

(CHICAGO) A Chicago organization that helps the families of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, will be handing out it’s annual valor awards tonight.

The 100 Club of Chicago will honor 12 police officers and firefighters from Chicago, North Chicago, Lake County, and Flossmoor, for their actions of heroism in the past year.

One of the honorees this year is Chicago Firefighter Joe Martinelli, who works at Squad 2 based in the Logan Square neighborhood.

Martinelli is being honored for his rescue of a fellow firefighter during a blaze last August 31st at the historic Lincoln Square lanes Bowling Alley at 4874 N. Lincoln Ave.

Martinelli told “The Big John Howell Show” on WLS that he was just doing his job, and tried to play down his heroism.

“The guy, through his training, really helped save himself.   It was just very lucky.  It was the right place at the right time.”

Appearing with Martinelli on WLS was 100 Club of Chicago CEO Joe Ahern, who said the group will celebrate it’s 50th anniversary this August 27th. Ahern says the 100 Club is dedicated to easing the financial worries of family members when their loved ones are killed serving the public.

Listen to the interview heard on WLS-AM 890 here:

“When a police officer or firefighter, anyone in State, local, or Federal Law Enforcement in Cook or Lake County is killed in the line of duty, we give the widow $50,000, and then send all the kids to college. Over the last 50 years it averages about five a year.   260 families that we have served.”

Tonight’s 100 Club of Chicago Valor Awards dinner is being held at 6:00 PM at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel at 12 S. Michigan Ave.

@ 2016 WLS-AM News