Orland Firefighters Receive Award For Saving One Of Their Own

Orland Park, IL- Firefighters of the Orland Fire Protection District received a prestigious Life Save Award Tuesday night at the Board of Trustees meeting. Unlike the awards they are used to receiving in the line of duty serving the citizens of Orland, this was for one of their own that needed to be saved.

On Saturday, September 14, the Orland Firefighters were doing their standard morning drill involving rescue training, wearing full firefighting gear and air-packs. While performing this rescue training Firefighter Karp began to feel faint just before losing consciousness. He went into full cardiac arrest in the fire station.

According to Chief Schofield, the crew did not hesitate to assess and immediately provide life saving care. Battalion Chief Nickolas Tufts described the scene as calm and professional. "The crew went to work like we have a million times before, our training kicks in and everyone did their job like true professionals."

Following excruciating minutes of CPR and medical interventions, Firefighter Karp regained a pulse and was successfully transported to Palos Community Hospital. Firefighter Michael Pacella said, "It was the worst and best call of my career, I'm just so glad he's ok and able to make a full recovery. I hope to be half as strong as him throughout my career."

Chief Schofield stated that Firefighter Karp is on track to make a shocking return to full duty in the next few months. "If Jim had been anywhere else but with his fellow firefighters, it might have been a very different result." said Schofield.

Awards were given to Battalion Chief Nickolas Tufts, Lieutenant Carl Jones,Lieutenant Kevin Frawley, Engineer Jon Kendra, Firefighter Michael Pacella, Firefighter Brian Knights, and Firefighter Jacob McCleary.

Also present at the meeting were representatives from the Orland Police Department. The officers were there to present the Karp Family with a check for charitable donations raised by the Orland Police Officers to help with medical expenses and recovery efforts. Union President Dan Fagan acknowledged the Police Officers efforts following the meeting, "This is what the public safety brotherhood is all about, we have a great relationship with our Police Officers. Orland is lucky to have such dedicated professionals serving them."