Sprinkler minimizes fire damage at Orland Park retirement home, saves lives

Sprinkler minimizes fire damage at Orland Park retirement home, saves lives 

A sprinkler system installed at the Lexington Health Care assisted and independent living retirement home, 14601 John Humphrey Drive, is being credited with saving lives and helping to significantly minimize damage caused by a small fire there this morning.

The fire started in the basement maintenance area of the assisted living home just after 8 am on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Investigators identified the cause as a coffee maker that was located on a shelf above a desk.

Sprinkler minimizes fire damage at Orland Park retirement home, saves lives

The fire quickly spread to objects on and around the desk, and up the wall of the room when the water sprinkler system activated and suppressed the fire instantly.

A sprinkler system installed at the Lexington Health Care assisted and independent living retirement home, 14601 John Humphrey Drive, is being credited with saving lives and helping to significantly minimize damage caused by a small fire there this morning.

The Orland Fire Protection District was alerted and responded to a fire alarm activation due to the sprinkler system operating. The initial crews reported a water flow alarm and investigated to find smoke in the basement with water flowing from a sprinkler head. A fire extinguisher was used to completely extinguish the smoldering material.

The smoke that was confined to the basement and workshop area was removed by firefighters using power fans. Because the fire was controlled quickly no residents had to be moved or evacuated and normal operations were maintained throughout the incident.

All floors were evaluated for hazards and deemed safe. Fire damage was limited to the desk and items on the shelves above.

“Every year at our Open House, we demonstrate how important fire sprinkler systems can for businesses, properties like assisted living centers and even in private homes in saving lives, and fighting and preventing damage caused by fires,” Orland Fire Protection District Fire Chief Michael Schofield said.

“This was a perfect example of how the sprinkler system quickly prevented the fire from spreading throughout the property, and minimized the intrusion on the lives of the residents in the home. We didn’t have to evacuate the property or disrupt the healthcare services there. We made the property safe and completely extinguished what could have been a far worse fire.” Schofield also credited the fast response of the District’s fire fighting teams.

Orland Fire personnel were assisted by a fire truck and team from neighboring Tinley Park.

Schofield named full-time Orland Fire Protection District Chief

The Orland Fire Protection District Tuesday named Michael Schofield, 54, as the district’s new fulltime fire chief approving a three year contract effective March 1, directing attorney Jim Roche to negotiate and recommend Schofield’s salary.

One of the district’s top three longest serving firefighters, Schofield became “interim Fire Chief” after Fire Chief Ken Brucki requested a leave-of-absence in August for “personal reasons” and subsequent request for retirement in January.

A 44 year resident of Orland Park, Schofield served as a Battalion Chief and managed the Orland Fire Protection District’s Operational Services before being named interim chief. 

Services included Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, Specialty Teams, as well as Training with each area managed by a lieutenant who reported to Schofield. Schofield joined the OFPD in 1977 as a cadet, eight years after the district was created. 

In 1979, Schofield became “paid on call,” which essentially was considered a part-time position. 

“Serving the residents of the Orland Fire Protection District has been my life and I am humbled and honored to be able to continue that service now as the District Fire Chief,” Schofield said. 

 “I want to continue the direction the Fire District has been going in. There are a lot of people in the Fire District, and a lot of great volunteers. Providing and maintaining the highest level of professional emergency and safety services is my goal.” 

 Schofield said he doesn’t anticipate making major changes during his first year, but said he hopes to see the district maintain and enhance training for paramedics and emergency responders. “There are no pressing issues right now, but I will take a close look at everything,” Schofield said. 

Schofield was hired full-time by the OFPD in 1986. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1989 and became a Battalion Chief in 2012. Fire District Board Chairman Chris Evoy praised Schofield saying the board was moved by both his three-decade career in fire service and that he is a longtime resident in the district. 

“We’re confident Fire Chief Schofield will do an exemplary job leading the district and supervising emergency fire response to uphold the safety of the district’s residents,” Evoy said. “He knows this district and what needs to be done.” 

Coincidentally, Schofield will celebrate his 30th year with the OFPD on his March 1 start date as full-time fire chief. During his part-time tenure with the OFPD, Schofield worked from 1983 until 1986 as a paramedic with the City of Chicago Fire Department. 

In 1985, Schofield received the paramedic award of valor from Chicago for the rescue of an employee involved in an industrial accident at the Nabisco plant in Chicago. Schofield also worked in Homer Township as a part-time firefighter from 1995 to 2002, and then in the part-time position as Homer Township Fire Chief from 2002 to 2012. 

Schofield is the co-founder of the Will County Fire Chiefs Association, and Past President of Mabas 19 mutual aid group. Schofield is married to Kathy and they have six kids, Nicole, Stephanie, Michael III, Andrew, Kathleen and Jacqueline. 

Michael Schofield III is an offensive lineman with the Denver Broncos and played in the 2016 50th Super Bowl that the Broncos won.

Orland Fire Public Education coordinator receives statewide honors

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.

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

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 2^nd 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.)

OFPD recognizes firefighter longevity in service

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

No injuries at Orland Home seriously damaged by fire

No injuries at Orland Home seriously damaged by fire

Lightning suspected, officials said. The family was on vacation

The Orland Fire Protection District responded to a fire reported in a home located on the 108th block of West Scarlet Drive in Orland Park early Wednesday morning.

The fire was reported at about 2:46 am on Wednesday July 29, 2015 and initial arriving fire companies found heavy fire had spread through the attic and roof areas of the 5,000 square foot residential home. Firefighters reported that heat radiating from the blaze was extensive.

OFPD Chief Ken Brucki said that firefighters immediately went into a defensive position to get the fire under control preventing any injuries.

“This fire had a tremendous amount of heat and it concerned us,” Brucki said. “We were concerned about structures around the property and took appropriate precautions to keep nearby properties safe.”

Brucki said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

“Crews were able to conduct a rapid primary search to confirm there were no occupants in the property at the time, and we were able to verify that the family was vacationing,” Brucki said.

The alarm was elevated to a full still to bring in additional companies.  A total of two aerial master streams and five large diameter hand-lines were required to extinguish the fire. 

The structure suffered major fire damage to the entire roof and extensive damage to the interior of the structure from fire, smoke, and water. 

It took approximately an hour to bring the fire under control. 

Brucki said one possible cause of the fire may be lightning noting “there was a tremendous amount of lightning in the area at approximately the same time of the fire.”

Brucki also said that the fire department was able to deploy a drone to assist in quickly identifying the fire location on the home.

“It was a very large home and the drone helped give us an immediate, aerial view of the property and the fire,” Brucki said.  “The aerial view assisted the Battalion Chief to direct suppression efforts to bring the fire under control.”

VIDEO:

Drone Video Link

https://youtu.be/vS4B8LHHB8k

Drone still Pic’s Links

https://youtu.be/lrl1HywxMAA

end

OFPD hosts safety camp for kids

Kids spend week learning about emergency safety at a Safety Camp hosted by the Orland Fire Protection District.

The Orland Fire Protection District’s Fire & Life Safety Camp was held Tuesday, July 13th through Friday, July 17th, and was a huge hit again this year! Public Education Coordinator Elizabeth (“Betsy”) Dine wants to thank everyone who came out to speak and to help at our camp this year. It would not be as successful without all the volunteers who give of their time to make it a great experience for the kids and Betsy would like to thank each and every one of her volunteers. Each camp day schedule was a mix of fun fire and life safety lessons.

On Tuesday (July 14-17, 2015), the camp kicked off with Fire Chief Ken Brucki welcoming the campers. Next the campers watched our very own firefighters perform a live fire response demo. It’s always very exciting for them and they are able to ask questions afterwards. Next, they learned about CPR and First Aid with many hands-on activities. After that a representative from Advocate Children’s Hospital gave them a lesson in injury prevention, which included poison prevention and the Berry Unsafe House.

Wednesday we had some very special guests drop by the camp to surprise the kids. Denver Broncos football player Michael Schofield, and his friend Kendall Coyne, who won a Silver medal in the 2013 Olympics playing for the US Women’s Hockey Team, stopped by to speak to the campers about their individual journeys to becoming the athletes they are today and the dedication and commitment it takes to be the best they can be and never giving up on your dreams. They both autographed the kids’ camp shirts. Bear Paddle Swim School came out and helped our Dive Team instructor teach the children about water safety with live demonstrations in the pool.

The children also learned about safe bike riding and went home with their own helmet fitted specifically for them by the team from Advocate Children’s Hospital. Some of the firefighters helped the children tour our fire and life safety trailer, teaching the children about kitchen and bedroom fire safety, and learned about EDITH (Exit Drills in the Home). A lesson on pet safety was given by Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs. The handlers brought these beautiful sweet golden retrievers to demonstrate the importance of taking care of your pets in a safe and loving way. Our very own Fire Dog Sparky made an appearance as well, to visit with the children and taught them some new dance moves.

Thursday was a rainy day and we spent most the days indoors listening to various speakers. First up was Papa Choo Choo (Gordon Bowe) from Operation Lifesaver/Union Pacific Railroad. He did a great job informing the children why to stay off railroad tracks and how to be safe when crossing tracks and showed them a great movie. Next a nutritionist spoke to the campers about the importance of healthy eating and developing good eating habits. Lastly, Author Nancy Flowers spoke to the children about a very important topic, BULLYING. She gave them great pointers on how not to be a bully and what to do if they are being bullied.

Our last day, Friday was a fun-filled day. First a police officer spoke to the children about stranger danger and how there are good and bad strangers. She gave them instruction on reacting in different situations. Also, an Officer from the Cook County Sherriff’s Department SWAT Team showed the children the vehicle they use and some

of their equipment. The kids were able to try on the different gear and had a great time in the Show & Tell exercises. The last part of the day the children got to go to various stations—one being the Firefighter Challenge where they got to shoot a real fire hose using water and a house to put the fake flames out. They had a lot of fun getting wet. The next station was the Combat Challenge which represents a firefighter in action. The campers climbed through windows and went through obstacles, crawling under pretend smoke and up and around to safe ground. They competed boys vs. girls and were timed. The very last station was a Wheel of Wisdom where they competed against each other about how much they learned throughout the week by being given questions they had to buzz in quickly on and answer correctly.

Graduation came way too quickly as the parents came to see the campers get their camp diplomas. Fire Chief Brucki quizzed them on all they learned and they were very quick to raise their hands to answer the questions, and were very excited to do so.