Orland Firefighters demonstrate fighting fires, saving lives at Open House Saturday, Sept. 19

The Orland Fire Protection District invites residents and families to attend its annual open house, an opportunity to meet firefighters/paramedics, dispatchers, and other public safety professionals who serve the community while experiencing firsthand the training, equipment, and teamwork involved in an emergency response.

This year's open house will proudly celebrate a special milestone, the 35th anniversary of OFPD Orland Central Dispatch.

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For 35 years, Orland Central Dispatch has served as a vital connection between the public and emergency responders, answering calls for help, gathering critical information, and coordinating the response of firefighters/paramedics. The district is proud to recognize the dispatchers for their professionalism, calm voices, and dedication have helped protect the community around the clock for more than three decades.

A highlight of the open house will be a series of six live demonstrations beginning at approximately 11:50 AM. The demonstrations will get visitors behind the scenes. Look at several of the specialized skills OFPD personnel used to protect the community.

1.Honor Guard presentation and fire chief welcome 11:50 AM

2.High-performance CPR

3.Dive rescue Demonstration

4.Vehicle extrication Demonstration

5.Rope rescue demonstration

6.Side-by-side burn demonstration at approximately 12:50 PM to 1 PM. The side-by-side burn demonstration will provide a particularly powerful fire safety message by allowing attendees to see how quickly fire can develop and the difference fire protection measures can make.

"Our annual open house gives our residents a unique opportunity to see the training, teamwork, and dedication that go into protecting our community every day," said Fire Chief John Purtill.

"We are extremely proud of our firefighter/paramedics, dispatchers, and staff; this event allows the public to see firsthand the many different capabilities of our organization. Just as importantly, it gives us a chance to connect with the families we serve, answer questions, and reinforce important fire and life safety messages. We look forward to opening our doors and welcoming our community into our fire district."

Family, activities, community resources, and barbecue:

In addition to the live emergency demonstrations, the open house will feature activities and resources for the entire family. A dedicated kids area will offer Face Painting, hands-on activities, and games, giving younger visitors plenty of opportunities to have fun while learning and interacting with members of the fire district.

Families will also be able to visit the Heroes, Hidden in Plain Sight Trailer, an interactive educational experience designed to help parents and caregivers recognize potential warning signs and hidden dangers that may be present in a teen's environment.

The Lions Club will provide hearing and vision screening. The Cook County Sheriff's Office will have an array of Interactive displays, informational tables, and specialized equipment, giving guests an opportunity to meet members of the sheriff's office and get an up-close look at the resources they use to help keep our community safe.

The OFPD will have information tables throughout the event, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about services and resources available in the community.

There will be even more to enjoy throughout the day, including raffles and a special appearance by project fire buddies. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase this year's official OFPD annual open house T-shirt. Be sure to stop by, support the great cause, enter the raffles, and take home a disaster bucket donated by Home Depot.

Community barbecue: The District will host a big barbecue for everyone attending, generously sponsored by Freedom Butchers, and Costco.

"Our open house is really about bringing our entire community together," said Betsy Dine, Fire and Life Safety Educator.

"Of course, we want people to see the incredible work our firefighter/Paramedics and dispatchers do, but we also want families to come out, have fun, and spend time with us. Between the live demonstrations, kids' activities, community organizations, health screenings, and barbecue, there truly is something for everyone. Fire prevention and life safety are the heart of what we do, and the open house gives us a unique opportunity to teach those important messages while building relationships with the people we serve."

The annual open house combines education with an up-close look at emergency services, giving residents of all ages the opportunity to learn potentially life-saving information while getting to know the people who serve their community every day.

Come hungry, bring the kids, and spend the day with the Orland Fire Protection District. Meet the people who serve your community, enjoy the activities, watch our cruising action, and help us celebrate 35 years of Orland Central dispatch.

The Open House will be held at the OFPD Training Facility, 10728 W. 163rd Place, Orland Park.