Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Orland Fire Public Education coordinator receives statewide honors

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Orland Fire Public Education coordinator receives statewide honors 

The Illinois Fire Inspectors Association presented its highest recognition on Friday October 23, 2015 to Elizabeth “Betsy” Dine the Public Education Coordinator for the Orland Fire Protection District.

Dine received the IFIA’s “New Horizon Award” at the group’s annual Fire Prevention Week luncheon held at Medinah Banquet Hall, 550 Shriners Drive in Addison.

 IFIA President Mike Toika cited Dine’s achievements in educating the public to fire safety through a variety of programs.

The award is the second that the District has received this year recognizing its public education programming.

Betsy Dine

Earlier, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance present the “Life Safety Award” award to Dine and to Fire Officials.

The IFSA cited the OFPD’s annual Kid’s Fire & Life Safety Camp, which is dedicated to exposing school-aged children to safety lessons dealing with potential hazards that may exist around or in their homes and schools, while also making the educational experience fun, entertaining and educational.

The IFSA award was presented to the OFPD officials and to Dine at ceremonies held on October 8, 2015 at Bobak’s Signature Events in Woodridge.



A certified teacher, Dine was hired by the Orland Fire District in 2013 and has supervised and organized public outreach programs including expanding the annual Open House and the annual Kid’s Fire & Life Safety Camp.

As public education coordinator, Dine travels to area schools to speak with parents, teachers and children about safety and emergency response education as well as promoting the district’s programs.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Homeowner suffers 2nd degree burns in Orland Park town home fire

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Homeowner suffers 2nd degree burns in Orland Park town home fire

One civilian was hospitalized following injuries during a fire at a Town Home in Orland Park on Saturday morning, officials of the Orland Fire Protection District said.

The fire was reported at an 8-unit, 2-story Town Home at 6:30 AM at 15829 Orland Brook Drive. The unnamed resident was taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox for treatment of 2nd Degree Burns, paramedics and emergency officials reported. The individual's status is not available but he was expected to be moved by hospital personnel to the Loyola Burn Unit for additional treatment.

One Orland Fire fighter was treated for exhaustion and smoke inhalation at the scene of the fire, but was later released and is back on the job, Interim Orland Fire Protection District Fire Chief Michael Schofield said Saturday.

Witnesses reported the fire at 6:30 AM on Saturday after seeing smoke billowing from the roof of the town home complex. First arriving companies found heavy fire from several 2nd floor units of the 2-story 8-unit Town Home building. A Box alarm was called for additional manpower and equipment. Multiple lines were deployed to control the fire and initial search of the all units were completed. The fire made its way from the upstairs unit to the building attic area.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The building suffered extensive damage. No other injuries were reported.





(Photos attached from the structure fire, courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District.)

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

OFPD recognizes firefighter longevity in service

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OFPD recognizes firefighter longevity in service

The Orland Fire Protection District presented longevity awards to four of its career firefighters during its regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday August 25, 2015.

The firefighters honored were Fire Engineer Jim Mazurkiewicz, Battalion Chief Joseph Moore, Lt. David Nagle, and Lt. Todd Schuneman. Each of the firefighters have served 20 years at the Fire District.

Interim Fire Chief Michael Schofield, acting in the absence of Fire Chief Ken Brucki who has taken a leave-of-absence, presented the awards during the board meeting.

"All of these professional firefighters have dedicated themselves to serving the people of the Fire District," Schofield said. "They are committed to providing life-saving emergency services in times of need."

Three other firefighters were unable to attend the meeting to receive their service awards including Engineer Larry Warszalek, who has served 25 years, Firefighter George Schick and Lt. Jerry Bohne who each served 20 years.


Lt. Todd Schuneman with his wife and son, and Interim Fire Chief Michael Schofield

Lt. Dave Nagle receives citation from Interim Chief Michael Schofield

Engineer Jim Mazurkiewicz with his wife and children, and Interim Chief Michael Schofield

Battalion Chief Joe Moore with his wife and Interim Chief Michael Schofield