Orland Firefighters Swear In 12 New Members

ORLAND PARK, IL — On Tuesday evening, the Orland Fire Protection District held a swear-in event for its newest Firefighter-Paramedics. The event was held at the Orland Park Civic Center, where Fire District Personnel, along with family and friends of the new firefighters, gathered to celebrate the occasion.

The 12 Candidates completed a year-long process of training and preparation to be officially sworn in as Orland Firefighters. The swearing in of the Firefighters was conducted by Fire Commissioner Beth Damas Kaspar. The new firefighters include Jack Zwartz, Mike Zaida, Nick Perez, Nick James, Dan Klimson, Russ Siska, Joe Podschweit, Mark Poulos, Jake McCleary, Joe Gray, Brandyn Maher, and Lucy Ramirez.

Fire Chief Michael Schofield spoke to the new firefighters about being the future of the Orland Fire Protection District. "These men and women have the opportunity to grow and make the changes they want to see happen by being leaders instead of followers." Chief Schofield further expounded on the rigorous training the Candidates conducted over the past 12 months. The firefighters were trained in a variety of emergency scenarios involving all levels of rescue equipment and tactics.

Orland Professional Firefighters Local 2754 President, Dan Fagan spoke to the new members about the Fire District Family they are joining. "The future of our Fire District is in the hands of this new generation to mold and shape it to best serve the residents of Orland."

In attendance for the ceremony were the newest Trustees for the Orland Fire Protection District, Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich. Greenfield and Zekich were recently successful in their election bid for the two open seats. They are set to be sworn in as Board Trustees on May 23 at the Orland Fire Protection District Headquarters.