Ken Brucki sworn in as new Orland Fire Protection District Chief
Chief Brucki's presentation at swearing in ceremony
(Photos below. Right click to download)
Good
Evening.
The
first thing I’d like to do is acknowledge everyone who chose to be here tonight.
I hope in the next few days or weeks to thank you personally for your
part in making this transition possible.
And I’d
like to publicly thank:
The
Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees, for your
faith and confidence in giving me the opportunity to serve as your Chief
Administrator. I will not let you down.
Battalion
Chief Ray Kay, for your dedication to the District and your efforts
in directing the District during this transitional period. Ray will
continue with Administrative duties under my command.
Politicians:
Mayor McLaughlin, Mayor Hastings, Commissioner Gorman, (list out others
that may show)
Pleasantview
Board of Trustees and Chief Kevin Doyle for your guidance and showing me
what a first rate organization is run like.
Most
Especially the Pleasantview Fire Protection District and all its members.
I have made lifelong friends and will always think ofPleasantview
as the finest fire organization, until just recently (pause) now they’re
the 2ndfinest.
Many
people here, especially the press may be wondering what Orland got when they
chose to hire me.
I
started as a volunteer firefighter at MarionettePark. I was
fascinated at the prospect of being a fireman. I began taking classes and
accepting any new challenge presented before me.
I went on to become a
paramedic through Christ hospital and took on more challenge working for a
private ambulance company to gain more experience. Still I could not
satisfy my desire for more challenge and experience so I pursued a part time
position with the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District. Taking even
more classes and continuing to build knowledge and gain experience.
I kept
running into the same problem…I didn’t know enough…So I went back to school,
getting myassociates degree in fire science from
Moraine Valley, I continued on a formal education path by earning a
Bachelor’s Degree in fire science management from SIU, As my
administrative duties grew, I accepted one more challenge and completed a
Master’s degree through Illinois Benedictine University in Organizational
Behavior and Organizational Development. A degree that will serve me well
as I accept this new position.
Thankfully
I was blessed with a full time position with the Pleasantview Fire Protection
District. I will be eternally grateful to the fine personnel I had the
honor to serve with while developing in my career. Pleasantview
encouraged continued education and facilitation at the department.
I was
able to work in the division of training and continue to master techniques
and pass along some of the knowledge, skills and abilities I had developed over
the years. I learned from and continued to work with one of the finest
Fireman I have ever met, Captain Mike Grazian thank you.
My work
as an instructor opened the door for many new opportunities. I became an
instructor for the Fire Service Institute at University of Illinois. I
worked in many different fire and rescue programs. Two
achievements I am very proud of was the opportunity to work alongside legendary
leaders in the fire service and help develop the curriculum for the “Saving Our
Own” program and building the Structural Collapse program from the ground up.
Both programs have helped shape firefighters on a national level and are instrumental
in firefighter safety.
I was
selected to serve as the rescue coordinator for the Southwest United Fire
Districts. During its time the SUFD Academy was one of the finest in the
state and also allowed me to work with many members of the Orland Fire
District.
Another
accomplishment over the years was the ability to serve on several ADHOC
committees established through the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The ADHOC
committees are responsible for establishing the job performance requirements in
the various disciplines in the fire service. I was selected to chair
several ADHOC committees over the years that eventually lead to the appointment
of Chairman of the Advisory Board. I was now in charge of overseeing the
work done by all ADHOC committees. I was appointed to be the testing
administrator through the offices of the state fire marshal. In that
position I was responsible for writing, developing and validating the
curriculum for every certification program in the state of Illinois.
LIKE MOST
OF US IN THIS ROOM The harder I worked, the more INVITATIONS I GOT TO
WORK HARD.
And yes most
of my leadership and instructor’s success was achieved while serving in the
rank of firefighter---leadership happens at every level of the fire
service---you don’t have to have a rank to be a leader. This is
a quality I hope to nurture here inOrland because I recognize that at any given
moment any of our personnel can be called upon to
leadthrough character, skill, or knowledge.
This brings me to our vision for
this district: Our largest responsibility is maintaining the
safety of thepersonnel who work for this district while providing the
best possible response to the public safety needs. My job is to look at
the big picture and prepare for the great, “Anything can happen”.
It is often difficult for the general public to understand this type of
preparation. However, anybody sitting out there who has ever put on this
uniform and laced up a pair of boots knows that anything CAN HAPPEN…and it
usually does.
I see
that as one of our basic principles for training. This principle
isn’t that we can prepare ourselves for any situation. It’s
a principle designed to establish an excellent foundation
for ongoing skill development through training and trust.
As I say
goodbye to one family, I am welcomed in another. I will work every day
with my heart and soul to build relationships and earn the trust of every
single individual who serves the Orland Fire District.
If you
see me in the community you’ll know I am:
Family
oriented
Faith
filled
Fair,
but firm
Dedicated
and loyal
I
am a Fireman
And
Lord Knows, I got get this clear right now…a Cub’s fan.
Thank
your family (remember the moms and dads)
I would
like to Thank:
Friends
for your support
Family
Grandmother
Marie Badke
In-Laws
Tom and Barb Trusk
Parents
Jack Brucki and Sadie Walker
Children
Jesselyn, Christian, and Patrick for constantly reminding how beautiful this
world is
Patti-
my soul mate and savior. By far the greatest human being I have ever had the
privilege to meet and I am grateful every single day that she would have
me.
Photos courtesy of Gerardo Lopez for the Orland Fire Protection District
END
