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Rep. Newman recognizes Orland Fire Protection District achievements

U.S. Representative Marie Newman (D-IL-03) submitted a statement into the Congressional Record to honor the brave First Responders of the Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD), which serves and protects the residents of Orland Park, Orland Hills, and unincorporated areas of Orland Township.

“Due to their excellence, Orland Fire Protection District is recognized as one of the best fire department organizations in Illinois and the country,” Congresswoman Newman stated in the Congressional Record.

“I honor their strong leadership, resourcefulness, and innovation in dealing with the effects of COVID-19 directly and swiftly. Their drive to share knowledge, equipment, and resources will cut inefficiencies and save even more lives. I thank the Orland Fire Protection District for their service, resiliency, and bravery.”

Chief Michael Schofield’s First Command Team and his first responder units have won national awards for their quick response times, high cardiac save rates, and efficient processes and procedures. Furthermore, Orland Fire is one of 84 internationally recognized agencies with both an ISO Class 1 rating and accredited agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).

Congresswoman Marie Newman present the Orland Fire Protection District with a copy of a state of praise to be entered into the Congressional Record in September. Newman (center) poses with OFPD Chief Michael Schofield (3rd from left) and the OFPD Battalion Chiefs. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District.

“We are grateful to Congresswoman Marie Newman for her support, and her kind words in recognizing our dedication and commitment to provide the highest possible emergency response services to the residents of our district,” Fire Chief Schofield said.

“Our firefighters, paramedics and staff have worked hard to provide the highest quality of lifesaving and emergency services. We are proud that the Orland Fire Protection District has one of the highest ‘save rates’ for victims of cardiac arrest, more than 65 percent in comparison to a national average of only 10 percent. We continue to strive for 100 percent.” Click here to read more.

Schofield also announced that the Orland Fire Protection District was sending firefighters to help the recovery in New Orleans following the injuries and the damage caused by Tropical storm Ida.

A copy of the statement was presented by Rep. Newman Monday at the Orland Fire Protection District’s Administrative Center, 9790 W. 151st Street, Orland Park.

Applauding the Fire District’s achievements were Orland Village Clerk, Patrick O-Sullivan, Orland Village Manager George Koczwara, former Orland Park Trustee Dan Calandriello, District 135 Trustee Tara Schreiber and District 230 Trustee Mike Hardek. Schofield was joined by the Fire District’s Battalion Chiefs, staff members and members of the Orland Fire District Senior Advisory Board. Congratulatory messages were also sent from RTA Board member Liz Gorman and from officials in Orland Hills, Orland Township and Tinley Park.

A full copy of the Congresswoman Newman’s statement in the Congressional Record can be found here.

Newman read the Congressional Letter of Recognition, the first she said she was delivering in the 3^rdCongressional District, which will be entered in the Congressional Record during a meeting in late September.

TEXT OF STATEMENT

Congressional Record, 117th Congress

House of Representatives

In recognition of Orland Fire Protection District

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of the brave first responders of the Orland Fire Protection District.

This exemplary fire district has shown tremendous dedication to protecting the lives and property of the residents of Orland Park, Orland Hills, and unincorporated areas of Orland Township. Due to their excellence, Orland Fire Protection District is recognized as one of the best fire department organizations in Illinois and the country.

Chief Michael Schofield’s First Command Team and his first responder units have won national awards for their quick response times, high cardiac save rates, and efficient processes and procedures. Further, Orland Fire is 1 of 84 internationally recognized agencies with both an ISO Class 1 rating and accredited agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). They displayed their commendable service during the COVID-19 Pandemic when they created a first of its kind response model to address the immediate needs of the community.

I honor their strong leadership, resourcefulness, and innovation in dealing with the effects of COVID-19 directly and swiftly. Their drive to share knowledge, equipment, and resources will cut inefficiencies and save even more lives. I thank the Orland Fire Protection District for their service, resiliency, and bravery. I honor their dedication, not only today, but every day. They are our heroes.

Marie Newman