ORLAND FIRE DISTRICT REVIVES ROLE FOR SENIORS; Newly created group to work to address senior needs

ORLAND FIRE DISTRICT REVIVES ROLE FOR SENIORS

Newly created group to work to address senior needs

The Orland Fire Protection District launched the new Senior Advisory Council (SAC) this week at a member orientation, promising to engage the district's seniors in the its many services.

The new Senior Advisory Council succeeds the district’s old committee, which was consumed by politics and political bickering, Fire Officials said. It's founding was coordinated by OFPD Senior Liaison Rosemaria Genova.

Fire Chief Ken Brucki and Fire Prevention Supervisor Mike Ercoli addressed the Senior Advisory Council at a “member orientation” held on Thursday, Sept. 26. They emphasized the mandate of the new SAC is to educate seniors and the community about Fire District Services.

“We have a large senior community and we need to not only make them all aware of the services we have for them, and for the community at large, but to also encourage their feedback so we can constantly improve and be more responsive to their real needs,” Brucki said.

“Seniors rely on the Fire District services and we take this responsibility seriously. The new Senior Advisory Council is going to focus on ensuring that these services are delivered and that the Orland Fire Prevention District gets the feedback it needs to continue to address the needs of our senior community.”

The council was officially formed a few months ago and serves as a bridge between OFPD officials and the large senior population in the district. 

During the orientation, Chief Brucki stressed the importance of engaging seniors directly into the fire district administration.

“Our goal in the district is to preserve life and property.  Having a council in place, with representatives from all six fire stations, enables us to communicate life-saving strategies to a growing senior population,” stated Brucki.

“One of our most important functions as a Fire District is not only to respond to fire emergencies, but to also respond to emergency health needs. Our seniors, who are most important in our community, face many of these health problems and we want to ensure we are doing everything we can to address their needs.”

The council will perform studies and research on issues related to seniors, participate in district activities, support the fire foundation and its fundraising efforts, educate seniors about health and safety issues, and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees on policy matters affection the senior population.

Brucki urged seniors in the Fire District to join the Senior Advisory Council. SAC members must be 55 years of age, live within the district’s boundaries for at least one year, be persons of good moral character, and have legal citizenship in the country.

“What we need is for seniors to become active in the district. We value their experience and their insight in how the Fire District can best serve their needs,” Brucki said.

OFPD Board Chairman Jim Hickey said that seniors have always played an important role in the Fire District.

“It’s unfortunate that politics disrupted this important role a few years back. But that’s behind us. The past two elections have shown that the majority of residents, especially seniors, want the Fire District to focus on providing the highest quality emergency services and that is what this board is committed to doing,” Hickey said.

“The majority of Fire District residents want firefighters to stay focused on providing the highest quality emergency care services and response, not to be a political lobbying group. There are other places to talk about politics. The new Senior Advisory Council is committed to serving our senior community and to help the district continue to provide the best emergency services of any fire district in the Midwest. Because our firefighters are the best at what they do.”

Brucki said he is planning to introduce the new Senior Advisory Council at the next meeting of the Orland Fire Protection District on Tuesday, October 22. The meeting begins at 5 pm.

END

Photo Captions: Chief Brucki meets with founding members of the Orland Fire Protection District Senior Advisory Council. Picture from left to right are:Photo: Mane Pritza, Caryl Tietz, Rosemary Ihle, Chief Brucki, Grace Fiorenza, Diana Husband, Joe Gleiter, and Mike Ercoli. (Janice Pierhal not pictured).

Vehicular arson focus of latest training at Orland Fire Protection District

Vehicular arson focus of latest training at Orland Fire Protection District

The Orland Fire Protection District hosted an Advanced Vehicle Fire Investigation class offered by the International Association of Arson Investigators, instructed by Special Agent Barry Grimm ATF and Capt. Chris Elrod from the Wilmington North Carolina Fire Department. 

The Orland Fire District working in conjunction with the Illinois Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators secured the necessary salvaged vehicles from Auto Medics Orland Park, IL, West and Sons Towing Addison, IL, State Farm Insurance, and Quad City Salvage Auction (QCSA) Hammond, IN. Without the donations of these businesses this type of class would have not been possible.  

Orland Fire District, Fire and Arson Investigators and members of the IL-Chapter of the IAAI worked with the instructors to develop 11 vehicle fire scenarios for the students to determine the origin and cause of the vehicle fires during the practical portion of this advanced class. During the preparation for this class a pre-burn of the vehicles was conducted. 

“The Orland Fire Protection District remains committed to train and continually educate its personnel to ensure the safety of each other and the residents we serve," said OFPD Fire Chief Ken Brucki. " This is a testament to the experience of our personnel not only in the region but the state and national level as well.  We have a very active origin and cause team that investigates every fire in the District and within our division.”

The vehicles were set on fire using different methods to simulate mechanical malfunctions as well as incendiary causes of fire. Students from across the Untied States and Canada converged on Orland Park to attend this class. Students consisted of municipal and private fire investigators, Insurance claims representatives, and Mechanical and Electrical Engineers from General Motors and Chrysler Automotive. 

For there assistance with providing and the preparation of this advanced class, 4 Orland Fire Protection District Fire and Arson investigators attended this class free of charge.

(Photos courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District. Visit their website at www.OrlandFire.org for more details and information.)

Orland Fire Protection District provides training to emergency medical personnel from Advocate Christ Hospital

Orland Fire Protection District provides training to emergency medical personnel from Advocate Christ Hospital

The Orland Fire Protection District hosted it's 15th annual emergency training workshop for doctors and medical personnel from Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn to strengthen emergency response tactics in the region.

The training was held Tuesday at the OFPD Training Facility at 10728 W. 163rd Place in Orland Park, and was supervised by Battalion Chief Raymond Kay.

Orland Firefighters created five typical emergency scenarios and worked with the medical personnel that included emergency room responders to explore the most up-to-date response techniques and strategies.

More than 35 emergency and medical personnel attended the workshop which featured training in  five specific and common scenarios including: providing resuscitation in a closed setting for a victim in a home; providing emergency care to a victim trapped in an underground pipe; extricating and providing emergency care to an individual trapped in a vehicle; provide emergency care to someone tangled on outdoor window cleaning or maintenance equipment several stories up outside a building; and, providing emergency care to victims in collapsed building structures.

Kay set recreating the scenarios would help the emergency personnel gain invaluable experience in dealing with the environmental circumstances of where incidents occur, such as in a vehicle, cramped space, collapsed environment and even four stories above the street on the side of a building.

"Each scenario represents an actual incident that has happened and that the emergency personnel might experience," Kay explained.

"We want to bring the emergency personnel into the situation that Orland firefighters and paramedics encounter frequently."

Battalion Chief Michael Schofield who assisted in supervising the training workshop noted that the emergency hospital personnel are used to working in a controlled environment in the emergency room where patients are brought, but appreciate the opportunity to work in uncontrollable and unpredictable settings outside of the hospital.

During the training sessions, mannequins were used and the doctors inserted tubes, provided resuscitation while inside the simulation training environments that the Orland Fire Protection District maintains at their training center, including a simulated underground sewer pipe system, collapsed building, four story building, burning vehicles and a replica of a typical home front room.

One group worked at the OFPD underground sewer pipe simulation

An emergency room doctor enters the "sewer" pipe to perform a rescue simulation

Inside the underground pipe training system

Fire Personnel use the "Jaws of Life" to open a jammed door on a vehicle during an accident rescue simulation

Trainees work inside this building to replicate collapsed building structure scenarios

A trainee assists in performing a rescue from the top of a building

Resuscitation techniques are discussed in an actual "front room" setting in cramped quarters

end

OFPD Commemorates Fallen Firefighters with Memorial

OFPD Commemorates Fallen Firefighters with Memorial

The Orland Fire Protection District joined local officials including Cook County Commissioner Liz Gorman in commemorating the 4^th anniversary of the passing of Lt. Raymond C. Marquardt with the dedication of a “Firefighter Remembrance Memorial” on Saturday Sept. 14.

The memorial was designed by Eagle Scout Candidate Kyle LaHucik and placed under the American Flag at the northeast corner of the OFPD Headquarters, 9790 W. 151^st Street.

Fire Chief Ken Brucki welcomed attendees including members of the Marquardt family, firefghters and Orland residents.

“On behalf of the Orland Fire Protection District I would like to welcome you to this memorial. Tradition cuts to the core value of the Fire District. Tradition is not just a word but a way of life,” Brucki said, noting that LaHucik’s project coincided with the remembrance of Marquardt’s passing four years earlier on Sept. 14, 2009.

“Kyle had a desire to honor firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty. It is a fitting tribute to dedicate it this morning.”

Commissioner Gorman praised LaHucik who is pursuing his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout and dedicating his efforts to the memory of fallen firefighters.

“This is a wonderful project. We need a place to come to remember, reflect and be solemn and this is a perfect place,” Gorman said.

Commander Edward Dunne, who served as the event emcee, introduced LaHucik and also directed the Honor Guard which raised the American Flag and placed a wreath at the memorial plaque.

“This memorial is to honor the late Lt. Raymond Marquardt and every firefighter who has served,” LaHucik said.

“This memorial is dedicated to the devotion of the men and women who have dedication, commitment, honor and bravery in their every actions. … On and off the line of duty, these men and women standing around us today, dedicated themselves to their duty to stop fires and save people from fires,” LaHucik said.

“Each brick (around the memorial) represents the steps the firefighters take to ensure everyone is safe. … Savings lives is not a job. Preventing and extinguishing fires is not a task. Protecting our community is not a burden for our firefighters. Their pride allows them to continue.”

Pastor Walter Legodar of Christ Lutheran Church offered an invocation in honor of the attendees and the Marquardt family, who attend his church.

Battalion Chief William Bonner Jr., offered remembrances of the late Lt. Marquardt and his service to the fire district and the community.

“He made our lives better. He installed in his sons and grandsons dedication to community service,” Bonner said.

Dunne offered closing words, noting, “The men and women of today’s fire service are confronted by a more dangerous work environment than ever before. We are forced to continually change our strategies and tactics to accomplish our tasks,” Dunne said.

“Methods may change but our goals remain the same to save lives and protect property, sometimes at a terrible cost.”

The commemoration ended with the sounding of the Fire Bell, three rings, three times each to symbolize the passing of a firefighter.

Commander Edward Dunne, Cook County Commissioner Liz Gorman
and OFPD Fire Chief Ken Brucki

Members of Boy Scout Troop 725 join the OFPD Color Guard

Members of Troop 725, LaHucik on far right

Placing of the wreath

A wreath is placed next to the new Firefighter Remembrance Memorial

Ringing of the bell

Commissioner Liz Gorman, Eagle Scout candidate Kyle LaHucik and Chief Brucki

end

OFPD participates in vehicular fire training course

OFPD participates in vehicular fire training course

The Orland Fire Protection District hosted an Advanced Vehicle Fire Investigation class that is facilitated by the International Association of Arson Investigators and instructed by Special Agent Barry Grimm ATF and Capt. Chris Elrod from the Wilmington North Carolina Fire Department. 

Brucki said the event offers firefighters firsthand experience and training on the most up-to-date techniques to respond to car fires in different scenarios.

"Vehicular fires are very dangerous not just to the public but to firefighters and the training helps them better understand the challenges they face when responding to a care fire to better achieve the safety of the vehicle passengers and themselves," Brucki said.

Working in conjunction with the Illinois Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators, the OFPD secured the necessary salvaged vehicles from Auto Medics Orland Park, IL, West and Sons Towing Addison, IL, State Farm Insurance, and Quad City Salvage Auction (QCSA) Hammond, IN. 

"Without these donations from these businesses, this type of training would have not been possible," explained OFPD Fire Chief Ken Brucki.

Orland Fire District, Fire and Arson Investigators and members of the IL-Chapter of the IAAI worked with the instructors to develop 11 vehicle fire scenarios for the students to determine the origin and cause of the vehicle fires during the practical portion of this advanced class. 

During the preparation for this class a pre-burn of the vehicles was conducted. The vehicles were set on fire using different methods to simulate mechanical malfunctions as well as incendiary causes of fire. Students from across the Untied States and Canada converged on Orland Park to attend this class. 

Students consisted of municipal and private fire investigators, Insurance claims representatives, and Mechanical and Electrical Engineers from General Motors and Chrysler Automotive. 

For their assistance with providing and the preparation of this advanced class, 4 Orland Fire Protection District Fire and Arson investigators attended the training class free of charge.

end

OFPD adds 11 firefighters at swearing-in ceremony

OFPD adds 11 firefighters at swearing-in ceremony

The Orland Fire Protection District swore in eleven firefighters who completed their year-long training requirements at a special meeting of the Board of Trustees on Thursday, September 5.

The new firefighters were sworn in by Orland Fire Commissioner Craig Schmidt during ceremonies at the Orland Fire Protection District Training Facility, 10728 W. 163rd Place. They will fill existing personnel vacancies created over the past two years, including through retirement.

Orland Fire Chief Ken Brucki described the job of firefighters as “one of the most honored but dangerous occupations” in the world.

“When there is an emergency in the community, firefighters are one of the first on the scene.  Firefighters are there at devastating ravages of fire, motor vehicle accidents, tornadoes, hazardous materials incidents, rescue operations, medical emergencies and many other critical incidents,” Brucki said.

“Firefighters are civil servants as sworn officers, following standard policies and procedures of the fire service and standard operating procedures of their departments; they are there to prevent human suffering and death, to stabilize the incident and prevent damages and loss of property.”

The eleven firefighters who were sworn-in to service are Donald Andersen, Douglas DePersia, Chad Erickson, Kevin Frawley, James Karp, Michael Neubauer, Daniel Ritchie, Isaac Salazar, Timothy Sierazy, Jennifer Smith and James Wooten.

An invocation was offered by Pastor Shawn Nettleton.

New recruits being sworn in

Battalion Chief Michael Schofield welcomed the new firefighters saying they will become part of an important “team” effort.

“In our team, no single firefighter is more important than The Team. No single engineer is more important than the team. No Lieutenant of Chief is more important than the team,” Schofield said.

“Everything you do reflects on the Fire District, on duty or off duty. You must always take in to consideration what the effect does your action have on the Team. Starting today, you have the opportunity to change the face of this fire district.”

Brucki said he hopes to instill in each new firefighter “a strong sense of awareness, stressing the importance and value of firefighters to themselves and families, fire departments, and their communities. The Orland Fire Protection District’s staff is dedicated to preserving life and property while valuing full accountability to each other and the people we serve.”

The Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees voted in July 2012 to hire the 11 firefighters, allowing the 11 candidates to begin the training process.

(older photos from original recruitment training from 2012, below)

The recruits at the beginning of their training in 2012

FULL AGENDA of Swearing In Ceremony:

Welcome                                                                    Commissioner Craig Schmidt

Posting of Colors &                                                   Orland Fire Protection 

Pledge of Allegiance                                                 District Honor Guard  

Invocation                                                                 Pastor Shawn Nettleton

Chief’s Address                                                                                       Fire Chief Ken Brucki

Video Presentation                                                   Created by Stephanie Koenig

Director of Training                                                                            Lieutenant David Piper

Orland Training Academy                                        Lieutenant Erick Johnson

Swearing in of Firefighters/Oath of Office             Commissioner Craig Schmidt

Closing Remarks                                                                 Battalion Chief Michael Schofield

Chief Brucki’s speech:

Today we are here for a swearing in ceremony for firefighters, one of the world’s most honored but dangerous occupations.  When there is an emergency in the community, firefighters are one of the first on the scene.  Firefighters are there at devastating ravages of fire, motor vehicle accidents, tornadoes, hazardous materials incidents, rescue operations, medical emergencies and many other critical incidents.

Firefighters are civil servants as sworn officers, following standard policies and procedures of the fire service and standard operating procedures of their departments; they are there to prevent human suffering and death, to stabilize the incident and prevent damages and loss of property.

It is a great honor to have this opportunity to swear in these recruits of the Orland Fire Protection District.

In doing so it shall be my intent to instill a strong sense of awareness, stressing the importance and value of firefighters to themselves and families, fire departments, and their communities.

The Orland Fire Protection District’s staff is dedicated to preserving life and property while valuing full accountability to each other and the people we serve.

One of my mentors, Retired Chief Eddie Enright delivers a powerful speech on Duty , Pride , and Tradition.  I would like to pass along my thoughts on some of his words.

“DUTY” is defined as at one’s post or work, a task or chore one is expected to perform. It is answering the bell and being asked to perform tasks that challenge our physical and mental toughness under extreme conditions. It is our duty to prepare for these tasks through training, leadership, and “Esprit De Corps”. It is our moral obligation to be doers in the fire service, to prepare for combat and meet the enemy -“BATTLE READY”.

“PRIDE” is defined as a state or feeling of being proud, a reflection of credit upon oneself. Pride is feeling good after a job well done! It is a feeling of goose bumps as you recount your actions; by going somewhere nobody else can go. By making a rescue and saving a life by being a part of a unit that successfully achieves its goal. Pride is wiping a tear from your eye and swallowing a lump in your throat, as you are hugged and kissed by a loved one thankful you have returned safe and sound. Pride is a glow in your kids as they brag about you being a firefighter. Pride is wearing your uniform, proud of your colors, proud of your co-workers and fire department.

Being a member of “THE NOBLEST BREED”.

“TRADITION” is defined as the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, and information from generation to generation. A long established or inherited way of thinking or acting “Courage in the face of danger is a tradition of the fire service”. Firefighters of the past stand by us today, passing on their legacy and dedication to us, and our fire departments. Tradition is the maintenance and connection of values with our heroes, pacesetters, and examples set by our idols! It is our foundation.

“Duty – Pride – Tradition” gives an individual the desire to serve – the ability to perform and the courage to act.

“DUTY” IS DOING IT.

“PRIDE” IS WEARING IT.

“TRADITION” IS LIVING IT.

Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts and feelings.

Battalion Chief Schofield’s Speech:

Congratulation on the completion of probationary period.

You are officially part of our family. You are part of a great team (which is the Orland Fire Protection District.

In our team, no single firefighter is more important than The Team. No single engineer is more important than the team. No Lieutenant of Chief is more important than the team.

Everything you do reflects on the fire district, on duty or off duty you must always take in to consideration what the effect does your action have on the Team.

You have a tremendous opportunity and it starts with a number and that number is 2012.

Your career here will be judge by three things your start date which is the only number that is known; you’re ending date; and the dash in between.

That dash is the most important thing of these three. The dash represents your entire time you spent with the Orland Fire Protection District.

Starting today, you have the opportunity to change the face of this fire district. You alone will choose what kind of an impact your dash will be some may choose to do nothing more than the minimum, others may choose to take full advantage of the opportunities that will face you. We look to you to be the leaders of our future.

It is much easier to set back and enjoy the ride then it is to be in the drivers seat. My wish for you is to be leaders, stand up, and be heard, get involved, we have so many opportunities for you, take advantage of them.

Unfortunately we do not know when that dash will come we all hope to reach retirement, but in the fire service know there are no guarantees in life, so we must cherish each day because that dash is always out there we just do not know when it might come.

When your dash comes, and you retire, your career will not be judged on what material things you have, what kind of car you are driving, how big your house is, how much money you have accumulated in your life, or what rank you have achieved. You will be remembered for what you have done for the fire service, how you treated your brothers and sisters here, how you help change the organization. How you left the fire district compared to how you entered it.

So think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to see changed? Be the leader we know you can be. We never know how much time we have.

The biggest gift you can make to the Team, to the fire district, to the Community during your time…during your dash, is you make this organization better than it is when you came in.

I want to also welcome your families, please stand up. It is only through your support that we have our newest members ere today.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Board of Commissions, the Command staff and the administrative staff, the officers, engineers and firefighters of the Orland Fire Protection District, we say congratulations on this first step in your career.

END