City of Oak Forest Appoints New Leadership in Fire Department

The City of Oak Forest has named Jack Janozik as its new fire chief and Patrick Duffy as its new deputy fire chief, effective immediately. Both appointments were approved on March 22 after the City Council accepted the resignation of former Fire Chief David Griffin.

“Together, Jack and Pat bring more than 50 years of firefighting experience to the table,” said Mayor Hank Kuspa. “As long-time Oak Forest residents, they have strong ties within the community. I think that community spirit as well as their professionalism will go a long way in renewing a strong sense of pride in the Oak Forest Fire Department.”

Janozik was hired by the City of Oak Forest in 1986 as a paramedic/firefighter. During his early years with the department, Janozik honed his skills in administering basic and advanced life support at emergency scenes, recording patients’ vital signs, assessing injuries to prioritize medical procedures, and administering first aid and artificial respiration. In 2009, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and began overseeing the activities of firefighters, including all training, preparedness and emergency situations. He also served as the director of the Fire Prevention Bureau, implementing ordinances and changes in the fire code and coordinating inspection of fire safety systems at local businesses. In 2014, Janozik was appointed to the position of deputy fire chief.

Throughout his tenure with the department, Janozik has received two merit awards from the city and earned recognition from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. He earned two associate’s degrees in fire service management studies and emergency medical services/paramedic studies from Moraine Valley Community College and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency services management. He also has completed his certification as a chief fire officer through the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and serves as a member of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) 24 Safety Officer Response Team.

Duffy was hired by the City of Oak Forest in 1989 as a paramedic/firefighter. His duties included responding to emergency calls, acting as company officer in the absence of a shift lieutenant, and supervising the general maintenance of the fire stations and apparatus. Duffy was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2008. In this role, Duffy was responsible for staffing and scheduling, conducting business premise inspections, responding to multiple alarm incidents as a safety officer for MABAS Division 24, maintaining the National Fire Incident Reporting System, supporting the computer-aided dispatch program, and coordinating the use, maintenance and purchase of communication devices.

Duffy earned a bachelor’s degree in fire service management from Southern Illinois University and is currently pursuing a master’s of public administration from Governors State University. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Oak Forest Firefighters Union Local 3039, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Associated Firefighters of Illinois, the Illinois Association of Fire Chiefs, and the National Fire Academy Alumni Association. He currently serves his community as the board secretary of the Carl Sandburg Music Boosters and has served as the treasurer and business manager of the Central Middle School Band Parents Association and a volunteer coach for the Tinley Park Park District.