Orland Fire Protection District swears-in two new board members

Orland Fire Protection District swears-in two new board members

Newly elected Trustees John Brudnak and Jayne Schirmacher were sworn into office at a special meeting of the Orland Fire Protection District board Tuesday, May 7, at 5 pm at the Fire District headquarters.

Local officials joined in commemorating the new trustees inauguration welcoming the new trustees during the brief ceremony. Officials attending included Cook County Commissioner Elizabeth "Liz" Doody Gorman, Orland Park Village Mayor Dan McLaughlin, Orland Hills Mayor Kyle Hastings, and Orland Trustee Brad O'Halloran. Also speaking was OFPD Fire Chief Ken Brucki. Gorman conducted the swearing-in of each of the new trustees.

Brudnak and Schirmacher join board incumbents James Hickey, board president, and trustees Chris Evoy and Blair Rhode. Brudnak and Schirmacher will serve six year terms ending in 2019. Hickey's term ends in 2015 and Evoy and Rhode serve through 2017.

During the past two years, the new board majority has worked hard to trim waste and more closely monitor budget spending, reducing the budget during the past two years to under $30 million, the first time the budget has been under $30 million during the past 5 years. By holding the line on spending, the board prevented spending from increasing the budget and cut spending by more than $1 million each of the past two years With trimming waste and holding the line on spending, the board has saved taxpayers more than $4 million, President Hickey said.

Photos courtesy OFPD Battallion Chief Dan Smith.

Orland Fire District Foundation holds fundraiser Thursday May 2

Orland Fire District Foundation holds fundraiser Thursday May 2

The Orland Fire Protection District Foundation held its annual fundraiser reception Thursday May 2, 2013 at 94 West Restaurant in Orland Park.

Foundation committee members, comprised of community members and fire district employees, determined this year's event will support three specific groups including the Kids Fire and Life Safety Camp, the

Community CARE Program, and the Residential Knox Box Program.

Community CARE provides training for individuals and businesses in CPR, AED and PADS.

The Kids Fire and Safety Camp is a weeklong children's camp hosted every summer by the Orland Fire Protection District to teach children fire safety practices and to understand fire prevention.

Activities include Combat challenge, CPR/First Aid, weather preparedness, fire prevention, Fire Safety Trailer, using fire hose, watching live fire and EMS scenarios, water day and many other activities The camp attracts as many as 60 children from the district each year.

The Residential Knox Box Program loans out boxes to elderly individuals who have debilitating medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, and limited mobility. These boxes safely store keys so  firefighters can enter a residence without damaging a door upon emergency entry.

"All of these programs are critical to raising fire prevention and emergency care awareness in our community. This education of the community assists firefighter response,"  Patti Brucki, a member of the committee said.  

Although there are some fees associated with the programs, funds raised by the Orland Fire Foundation help to keep those costs down to make them available to everyone.

The Orland Fire Foundation is a 501 ( C ) 3 organization providing fire prevention and public safety awareness to the Orland Fire Protection District. The Foundation was reconstituted last year after a short hiatus. All Donations are tax deductible.

Brucki urged residents and businesses who wish to help the Fire District and to support the programs to contact her and consider sponsorship levels. Brucki can be reached at 708-288-1643.

The Foundation accepted and raffled off a wide array of donations, such as Gift Certificates, Themed Baskets, Sports Memorabilia, Toys, Golf Packages, Jewelry or Event Tickets, for example, will be used for raffles to raise more funds during the event.

The Foundation also accepted donations of non-perishable food items for the Orland Township food pantry.  

Tickets for the Foundation event were $50 each.  Attendees enjoyed appetizers and entertainment by Jimmy "O" and Rhonda Lee.Guests were photographed on an OFPD fire truck.  

www.orlandfire.org

Photos courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District

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