Christopher Evoy elected as new OFPD President

Orland Fire Protection District Board members, from left, John Brudnak, Jim Hickey, Jayne Schirmacher, Chris Evoy and Blair Rhode.

The Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees Tuesday (May 19, 2015) named Christopher Evoy as its new president, succeeding Jim Hickey who is stepping aside as president to focus on increased personal responsibilities.

Hickey has served on the board as a trustee since 2009 and was elected to serve as board president by the board in 2010. He was re-elected to a second six-year term this past April. Evoy has served as a trustee since his election in 2011 along with Trustee Blair Rhode. Trustees John Brudnak and Jayne Schirmacher were elected to the board in 2013.

Christopher Evoy

Hickey said he remains committed to the Orland Fire Protection District but decided to step down serving as president because of increased responsibilities in his personal life.

“I started law school and am completing my first year and it requires a lot of my time and attention,” Hickey said.

“I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish with the support of the Orland Fire Protection District Board but I don’t feel that I can continue to meet the responsibilities as board president while also pursuing my law degree, which requires very rigorous studies. I know Chris Evoy will be a great board president.”

The board voted unanimously to elect Evoy as President, and named Brudnak as President Pro Tempore, serving in the absence of the president. Schirmacher, who served as Secretary to the board was elected Treasurer, and Rhode was elected the board’s new Secretary.

Evoy’s election in 2011 marked a major refocus for the Orland Fire Protection District which is one of the largest in the Midwest. Evoy, Rhode and Hickey immediately refocused the board to address the public’s concerns over excessive spending by the prior board leadership, and implemented stronger budget management imposing spending limitations and reductions.

“We saved the district more than $4 million during the first few years and have held down spending considerably,” Hickey said.

Evoy praised Hickey’s service and stressed that the change over is not about performance but personal needs at this time.

“Jim has done a great job as president, leading the board through a transition that has refocused the Fire District towards budget savings while maintaining the highest levels of emergency service and response,” Evoy said.

Under Hickey’s leadership, the board also implemented a full transparency policy to provide all district documents to the public online.

“Our biggest accomplishment was putting the brakes on the spending,” Hickey said. “We’ve done that and continued to maintain the highest professionalism at the Fire District,” Hickey said.

Some of the volunteers at the 2014 Orland Fire Foundation event

“I think residents can be proud that they have the best Fire District in the Midwest and they receive the best possible service and emergency response.”

The board last month changed the originally scheduled board meeting of Tuesday May 26 to May 19 because of the Memorial Day weekend holiday.

In other business, the board tabled a proposal to renovate Fire Station #3. Fire Chief Ken Brucki announced the Orland Fire Protection District has scheduled this year’s popular Kids Camp for July 14 through July 17, and the annual Open House for Sept. 26. Last year’s Open House attracted more than 800 attendees.

The Orland Fire Foundation will host its annual fundraiser this Thursday at 94th West Grille, to support both the Kids Camp and educational programs and CPR training directed towards Seniors and the public.

For more information, visit the Orland Fire Protection District’s website at www.OrlandFire.org.

Orland Fire District swears-in 10 new firefighters

Orland Fire District swears-in 10 new firefighters

The Orland Fire Protection District this month began a year-long training for nine recruits hired to fill existing department vacancies, and officially swore-in 10 recruits hired last year.

The 10 recruits who completed more than a year of training are Brian Paliga, James Logan, Jason Postma, Justin Dublin, Kory Tuburan, Mark Hogan, Martin Majda, Matt Giermala, Matthew Hoover, and Steven Prohaska.

The swearing-in ceremony was held on Tuesday May 12, 2015 at the Orland Fire Protection District’s Training Facility, 10728 W. 163^rd Place in Orland Park.

Fire Chief Ken Brucki said the 10 recruits have earned their positions in the OFPD, noting that they recently completed an intensive, year-long training program.

Leading the training for the OFPD are Lt. David Piper, the Training & Safety Officer, and Mike Seifert and Carl Jones, both firefighters and graduates of the district’s training academy program.

Brucki said new firefighter recruits are evaluated in a variety of fire and emergency simulations including fighting fires, rescue and equipment management. Every OFPD recruit must be professionally trained both as a firefighter and as a paramedic, he said.

“The recruits train 8 hours every day. Their day begins with a regimented exercise program to help eliminate injuries caused by muscle strains & sprains, which is one of the most frequent injuries firefighters experience,” Brucki said.

Training included a specific series of exercises. They included fighting a fire on the first floor of the Training Centers fire range. Teams of trainees, led by instructors, covered each of the key areas, connecting the hoses to the fire hydrant, scoping out the scene to identify any civilians in the building, and coordinating the response to the fire and smoke. One team approached to extinguish the fire, a second team climbed to the building’s roof to perform ventilation, while another scaled the building via ground ladders from the front to “rescue” several “victims.”

On hand for the ceremonies were officials of the OFPD District, board trustees including President Jim Hickey and trustees John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher, Chris Evoy and Blair Rhode, and members of the recruits' families.

Fundraiser set May 21, 2015 for Orland Fire Protection District Foundation

Fundraiser set May 21, 2015 for Orland Fire Protection District Foundation

The Orland Fire Protection District Foundation will hold its 3rd annual Fundraiser on Thursday, May 21, to raise monies for a wide range of programs and services for District residents.

This year, the OFPD Foundation will award three scholarships to graduating high school seniors college pursuing careers in firefighting and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Trustee Jayne Schirmacher addresses guests at
last year's (2014) Foundation fundraiser

Each year since 2013, the OFPD Foundation has donated money to underwrite programs that include providing Knox Boxes to Seniors, offering public CPR and Emergency response training, supporting the annual children’s fire and life safety camp, and donating to other fire-related charitable needs.

“All of these programs help raise public awareness of emergency safety issues and support important community causes,” said Patricia Brucki, who serves as the Foundation’s volunteer coordinator.

The Knox Box is a home security system that allows firefighters to enter homes in response to emergency calls when the homeowner may not be able to respond or open the door.

The OFPD Foundation provides support to purchase Knox Boxes  on loan to senior citizens and individuals who are disabled.

“Every senior should have a Knox Box to ensure that emergency first responders can enter their homes with out damage if for some reason they can’t open the doors themselves,” Brucki said.

“Many seniors have them now but many more are needed. The money we raise from the generosity of the public helps us purchase the Knox Boxes and loan them to seniors.”

Brucki said that the Foundation will announce the first three scholarship recipients at the foundation event which will feature cocktails and appetizers on Thursday May 21 at the 94 West Grille & Tavern, 15410 S. 94th Avenue. The event begins at 6 pm.

“The scholarships are intended to continue an honorable legacy to encourage students to pursue careers in firefighting and in emergency medical services,” Brucki said. “We will award three at the event, each in the amount of $1,000.”

Additionally, Brucki said that money raised at the Foundation’s annual dinner will also help underwrite the annual Kids Fire & Life Safety Camp. Each year, about 40 to 50 young people attend the week-long camp to learn how to recognize and respond to emergency situations. It also teaches young people about the dangers of fire and how to contact emergency personnel in an emergency situation. Among the sponsors and instructors at the camp is Bear Paddle.

“The children learn about home safety, basic safety and first aid safety skills, as well as finding safety during weather-related emergencies,” Brucki said.

“The children get to practice some of the things firefighters do with firefighters who volunteer to educate the children. The students get to compete in an abbreviated combat challenge similar to what fire fighters run in training scenarios.  Students get to meet the comfort dogs, compete in Game show style safety reviews, and train with current OFPD cadets. Brucki noted that many of the safety programs are supervised by Public Safety Coordinator Betsy Dine.

Last year, the Foundation also donated money to the family of Wes Peak, a firefighter who died in an automobile accident last September.

Foundation funds are also donated to support the OFPD Community Care Program which provides CPR instructions to members of the pubic, and also training in how to use AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators). AEDs can increase the chances of survival for victims of heart related emergencies.  Business owners are encouraged to contact the fire department to schedule trainings for their staff. Two of the program instructors are retired OFPD Engineer Robert Palermo and Chris smith.

Entertainment will be provided by Donny O and Rhonda Lee. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at the Fire District, at the door on the evening of the fundraiser, or online at www.orlandfire.org.

“Individuals who bring a bag of canned food that will be donated to the Orland Pantry will get two tickets for the price of one,” Brucki said. “Last year we collected 50 bags of food that were given to the Orland Pantry, which helps families in need.”

Other Foundation members and volunteers include Fire Trustees: Jayne Schirmacher, Board President Jim Hickey, Senior advisory council members Diana Husband, Mane Pritza, and Pete Stoncius, and retired and active Fire District personnel including R.J. Stachnik, Gerry Strunka, Joan Pickens, Bob Palermo, Chief Ken Brucki, and Stephanie Koenig. Community members include Janette Walsh, Jerry Ruggio, Fire District attorney Jim Roche.

A raffle will offer prizes including a 60 inch screen TV, play tickets, $500 cash.  Other prizes include sporting tickets, jewelry, gifts from Vera Bradley, and donated services from Uncle Julio's,  Texas Roadhouse, Giordano's, Orland bakery, and Q spa. Unique prizes include rides on a fire truck, dinners at the fire house, and fire-themed bag sets.

To learn more, get tickets, or to make a donation visit www.OrlandFire.org.

end

OFPD Firefighter recruits will be sworn in May 12: Nine new recruits begin year long training

OFPD Firefighter recruits will be sworn in May 12

Nine new recruits begin year long training

The Orland Fire Protection District this month began a year-long training for nine recruits hired to fill existing department vacancies, and will official swear-in 10 recruits hired last year.

The nine fire recruits will bring the OFPD manpower to 111, said Fire Chief Ken Brucki.

The nine recruits began an intensive training course Friday (April 17, 2015) learning the latest in fire fighting and emergency services strategies in a training academy program, and also exercise techniques to help prevent and reduce injuries.

Their predecessors, hired last year, recently completed their year-long training program and will be sworn-in on May 12 at 6 pm at a special ceremony at the Orland Fire Protection District’s Training Facility, 10728 W. 163^rd Place in Orland Park.

The 10 firefighters hired last year are: Brian Paliga, James Logan, Jason Postma, Justin Dublin, Kory Tuburan, Mark Hogan, Martin Majda, Matt Giermala, Matthew Hoover, and Steven Prohaska.

Brucki and members of the OFPD training team leadership hosted a public demonstration of the rigorous training new firefighter recruits receive from the district.

Leading the training for the OFPD are Lt. David Piper, the Training & Safety Officer, and Mike Seifert and Carl Jones, both firefighters and graduates of the district’s training academy program.

Brucki said the district’s nine firefighter trainees are evaluated in a variety of fire and emergency simulations including fighting fires, rescue and equipment management. Every OFPD recruit must be professionally trained both as a firefighter and as a paramedic, he said.

“The recruits train 8 hours every day. Their day begins with a regimented exercise program to help eliminate injuries caused by muscle strains & sprains, which is one of the most frequent injuries firefighters experience,” Brucki said.

The recruits began training with special sessions at the Pro Sports Performance gym, 10649 163rd Place in Orland Park, located one block east of the OFPD Training Center.

The exercise program at Pro Sports Performance helps the recruits prepare for the physical stress involved in carrying and moving large equipment at emergency scenarios.

The recruits were led through a specific series of exercises. They included fighting a fire on the first floor of the Training Centers fire range. Teams of trainees, led by instructors, covered each of the key areas, connecting the hoses to the fire hydrant, scoping out the scene to identify any civilians in the building, and coordinating the response to the fire and smoke. One team approached to extinguish the fire, a second team climbed to the building’s roof to perform ventilation, while another scaled the building via ground ladders from the front to “rescue” several “victims.”

The nine new recruits are: Chad Mezzera, Daniel Fagan, Garrett Flavin, Jon Kendra, Joseph Miller, Marc DeSardi, Matt Delestowicz, Shaun McDonald, Zachary Zweizig.

The Orland Fire Protection District approves hiring of nine firefighters; presents Citizens Award and receives recognition from Muscular Dystrophy Association at board meeting

The Orland Fire Protection District approves hiring of nine firefighters; presents Citizens Award and receives recognition from Muscular Dystrophy Association at board meeting

OFPD President Jim Hickey (left) joins Engineer Robert Griffin (center) and Fire Chief Ken Brucki in accepting the Golden Boot Award for raising a record $25,000 to fight Muscular Dystrophy. (Photo courtesy OFPD)

The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) board of trustees voted Tuesday to approve the hiring of nine firefighters. The proposed hirings will be supervised by the OFPD Board of Fire Commissioners who will review and select candidates from the existing hiring eligibility list.

Last year, the board authorized the hiring of 10 firefighters who are scheduled to complete their one-year training on May 10th.

Fire Chief Ken Brucki said the proposed new hires will fill vacancies created by the retirement of nine veteran firefighters over the past few months. The 10 firefighters hired last year also filled vacancies created by retirements.

The board voted three to one to approve the motion by OFPD Board President Jim Hickey. Hickey, Chris Evoy and Jayne Schirmacher voted yes and Blair Rhode voted no. Trustee John Brudnak had an excused absence from the meeting.

OFPD President Jim Hickey (left) joins Fire Chief Ken Brucki (right) to Kayla Kutinac, Heather Elledge and Zoe Spada. (Photo courtesy OFPD)

In other business, the OFPD Board presented the Citizens Life Saving Award, named in honor of the late Battalion Chief William Bonnar Sr., to three individuals who assisted in an emergency situation at the Palos Health & Fitness Center on Jan. 25, 2015. Recognized with the CLSA were Kayla Kutinac, Heather Elledge and Zoe Spada.

Also, the Muscular Dystrophy Association presented its Golden Boot Award to the Orland Fire Protection District and its firefighters who, MSA officials said, raised more than $25,000 this past year to fight Muscular Dystrophy, the highest amount raised in Chicagoland’s South Suburbs. The MDA raised $24 million nationwide with $1 million coming just from Illinois, officials said. During the past seven years, the OFPD has helped raise more than $77,000 to help the MDA fund research and provide programs to assist children with Muscular Dystrophy and to fund research centers around the country.

“Every year, the firefighters volunteer to raise funds to fight Muscular Dystrophy and we are very proud of them,” Hickey said.

Fundraising for the MDA has been spearheaded by the Firefighters Union 2754. Union representative and OFPD Engineer Robert Griffin accepted the Golden Boot Award from the Muscular Dystrophy Association on behalf of the Orland Fire Protection District.

“The Fire District is very proud to participate in that effort and we applaud the members of FireFighters Union 2754 and Engineer Robert Griffin who has led this effort,” Brucki said. “They have done a phenomenal job for a very worthy cause and we applaud them for their efforts.”

OFPD District honors firefighters for service and heroism

Photo credit Courtesy the Orland Fire Protection District. From left, OFPD Fire Chief Ken Brucki, OFPD Trustees John Brudnak and Jayne Schirmacher, Village of Orland Park Trustee Ed Schussler, Lt. Pete Vassios, OFPD Trustee Chris Evoy, Orland Hills Mayor Kyle Hastings and OFPD Board President James P. Hickey.

The Orland Fire Protection District Tuesday awarded its highest honor to Lt. Pete Vassios for saving the life of a female victim of a home fire in Orland Park last month, and gave recognitions to 29 other firefighters.

Fire Chief Ken Brucki and the OFPD Board also celebrated the service of former Board President Jack Leddin with a permanent plaque placed in his honor on the Board Room wall.

Vassios was among firefighters who responded to a fire at the home on the 14500 block of Aspen Street in Orland Park on Saturday Sept. 13. Vassios entered the home through a back window to pull out 56-year-old Beth Tooth from the frame home which was consumed by fire and smoke.

Tooth was in cardiac arrest with no pulse and she was immediately revived by paramedics who restored breathing and a pulse. She remains in critical condition at the Loyola Burn Unit, officials said.

Battalion Chief William Bonnar described the scene saying a heavy fire was coming through the front of the home through a family room window with lots of heavy smoke, but was under control within 10 minutes of the fire call.

Bonnar and Brucki presented the Medal of Valor to Vassios for his “conspicuous bravery above and beyond the call of duty and showing extreme courage in the face of imminent danger.”

“Lt. Vassios went into the room which was filled with heavy smoke and fire and brought the victim out. She had no pulse and was not breathing. Her pulse and breathing was restored and she is at the Loyola Burn Unit where she is recovering,” Brucki said.

“Vassios risked a lot to save a lot.”

A humbled Vassios, who was accompanied by his wife, son and daughter, pointed fingers at the firefighters who filled the OFPD Board room, saying “Everyone did their jobs that day. It’s not just me. It’s everyone here.”

Brucki and the board also honored the memory of John P. “Jack” Leddin, who joined the OFPD in 1980 and was elected to the Board in 1991 serving three terms as the board’s President. Leddin died in 2004 at age 68 just before the April 2005 elections.

Orland Hills Mayor Kyle Hastings led the memorial and recognition ceremony or Leddin, noting the former firefighter was from Orland Hills.

“He was a pure gentleman and a friend,” Hastings said. Jack’s love was always the fire district. He always wore two or three radios on his belt. … He said he wore them because he had to be informed. He was a class guy and I am proud that we will remember him and his service to the community.”

OFPD Board President James P. Hickey praised Leddin saying his service was always dedicated to providing the highest quality service to the residents of our fire district.

“Leddin is a role model for everyone who aspires to fire service,” Hickey said.

The Fire District recognized four members of the Orland Police Department for their hands-on role in helping to save Tooth in response to the Aspen Street home fire, and 20 firefighters during the ceremony.

The Orland Park Police Officers are John Zorbas, Hank Schoonveld, Dave Staszak and Chris Losurdo. The OFPD Firefighters are Battalion Chief William Bonnar, Lt. William Leddin, Engineer David Nagel, Firefighter Brad Carter, Lt. Todd Schuneman, Engineer Robert Walsh, Firefighter Bob Proctor, Firefighter Matt Johnson, Firefighter candidate Justin Dublin, Firefighter Brett Buenzow, Engineer Nick Tufts, Lt. John Purtill, Engineer Rob Winkelman, Firefighter Jim Pape, Lt. Erick Johnson, Engineer Steve Rivero, Firefighter Eric Zielinski, Lt. Sean Merck, Engineer Scott Nietfeldt and Firefighter candidate Jason Postma.

Service recognitions were presented to five firefighters. Maintenance Engineer Bob LaMantia was recognized for 45 years service. Lt. Scott Olinski and Engineer Dan Scloegel were recognized for 30 years of service. And, Fighter Thomas Rafferty and Engineer Robert Walsh were recognized for 25 years of service.

end

OFPD responds to home fire

OFPD responds to home fire

The Orland Fire Protection District responded to a house fire around 2pm Monday afternoon June 23, 2014.

Neighbors reported seeing smoke coming from the roof and called 911.

Orland Firefighters arrived and reported smoke showing and made a quick interior attack to confine the fire to the lower level. The house sustained heavy smoke damage and had burned though the first floor above the area of origin. The homeowners were not inside at the time of fire and no injuries were reported.

Approximately 30 firefighters were on the scene with the fire being struck in about 30 minutes. Orland was assisted on scene by Palos Fire and had the stations covered with several other surrounding agencies. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Photos courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District