Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters Dads' Rights
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
(Back) Dep Fire Chief Nick Cinquepalmi, retiring Board President John Brudnak, Trustee Donald “DJ” Jeffers, Board President Beth Damas Kaspar, Trustee Bridget Eileen Tolan, retired Fire Chief Michael Schofield, front, retiring Trustee Jayne Schirmacher.

​Orland Fire District elects woman Board President

Posted on May 7, 2025June 15, 2025 By Ray Hanania No Comments on ​Orland Fire District elects woman Board President
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

​Orland Fire District elects woman Board President

Orland Fire Protection District Trustee Beth Damas Kaspar, who recently won re-election to a six-year term as Trustee, was elected on Tuesday (May 5, 2025) to serve as the Fire District’s first woman Board President in the past two decades.

Damas Kaspar was sworn into her second term along with newly elected Trustees Donald “DJ” Jeffers, a former OFPD Commissioner who will serve a six-year term, and Bridget Eileen Tolan, who will serve a two-year term.

Two incumbent trustees, Tina Zekich and Angela Greenfield, were absent from the historic meeting, which was attended by nearly 100 friends, relatives, Fire District officials, and residents at the  OFPD Administration Building on 151st Street.

Damas Kaspar, Jeffers, and Tolan won the confidence of the District’s voters in a landslide election on April 1, 2025, defeating two slates backed by former Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau and Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady, who both failed in a bid to take over the Fire Board.

(Back) Dep Fire Chief Nick Cinquepalmi, retiring Board President John Brudnak, Trustee Donald “DJ” Jeffers, Board President Beth Damas Kaspar, Trustee Bridget Eileen Tolan, retired Fire Chief Michael Schofield, front, retiring Trustee Jayne Schirmacher.
(Back) Dep Fire Chief Nick Cinquepalmi, retiring Board President John Brudnak, Trustee Donald “DJ” Jeffers, Board President Beth Damas Kaspar, Trustee Bridget Eileen Tolan, retired Fire Chief Michael Schofield, front, retiring Trustee Jayne Schirmacher.

 

The three successful Fire District Trustee candidates promised to prevent a takeover, or merger of the Fire District by local politicians and activists who sought to control it, and to continue to keep politics out of the Fire District, which is one of the nation’s top-performing Fire Districts. The OFPD enjoys the highest “Cardiac Arrest Save Rate” of 71 percent, compared to a national average of only 10-15 percent, and has the best-trained and performing Firefighters in the nation.

“It is an honor to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Orland Fire Protection District. As Treasurer, I look forward to serving with responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources while ensuring our brave & dedicated firefighters have the support they need to continue their exceptional service to the community,” Tolan said. 

Trustee Donald “DJ” Jeffers, Board President Beth Damas Kaspar, Trustee Bridget Eileen Nolan.
Trustee Donald “DJ” Jeffers, Board President Beth Damas Kaspar, Trustee Bridget Eileen Nolan.

“I will work to bring a strong voice of fiscal responsibility and practical leadership to the Board, ensuring that our Fire District remains independent, transparent, and accountable to the people it serves. We are fortunate to have one of the finest fire districts in the state, and I am dedicated to helping it operate efficiently and effectively on behalf of all residents. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.” 

During the Special Meeting, Jeffers was elected to serve as the board’s Secretary, and Tolan was elected to serve as the board’s Treasurer.

Outgoing board members John Brudnak, the former board president, and Trustee Jayne Schirmacher, were present for the ceremonies along with retiring Fire Chief Michael Schofield and Deputy Fire Chief Nick Cinquepalmi.

OFPD Board Presidents Brudnak May 5, 2025
OFPD Board Presidents Beth Damas Kaspar and John Brudnak, May 5, 2025

Brudnak administered the Oath of Office to Damas Kaspar. Damas Kaspar administered the Oath of Office to Tolan. Orland Park Mayor Kyle Hastings administered the Oath of Office to Jeffers, who previously served on the Fire District as a Commissioner since 2023.

“Before I start, I’ll tell you it’s an honor for me not only to be here, but to be administering the Oath of Office to DJ and to see our trustees here,” Hastings said. 

“I’ve been around here since Mike (Schofield) was in high school. And I was here even when Mike’s mother (Margaret Evans Schofield) was here on the board, along with Jacqueline and everyone. This board is fabulous. We’re going to continue on to make this once again the greatest Fire Department there is in the State of Illinois. So, it is truly an honor to be here.”

Former OFPD Fire Chief Michael Schofield and retiring Trustee Jayne Schirmacher
Former OFPD Fire Chief Michael Schofield and retiring Trustee Jayne Schirmacher

Damas Kaspar has a distinguished career in healthcare, decades of community involvement, and a passion for service. Damas Kaspar brings a unique blend of leadership, expertise, and compassion to this important role. She served both as a Fire Commissioner and Trustee, and has demonstrated an ability to make thoughtful decisions that prioritize public safety and fiscal responsibility.

As a highly accomplished healthcare professional, Damas Kaspar holds advanced degrees in dentistry and endodontics and serves as a consultant for Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Her experience as a small business owner, leading an all-female endodontic practice, has taught her the importance of teamwork, accountability, and careful resource management. An active parishioner at St. Michael’s Church, she is a proud wife and mother of two children.

Orland Hills Mayor Kyle Hastings and OFPD Trustee Donald "DJ" Jeffers
Orland Hills Mayor Kyle Hastings and OFPD Trustee Donald “DJ” Jeffers

Jeffers is a successful small business owner/operator who graduated from Saint Xavier University with a B.A. in Business. His education also includes graduating from Marist High School, and he is a St. Michael’s Church Parishioner. The father of four, three sons & one daughter, Jeffers is a lifelong Beverly/Orland Park Resident.

Tolan is the Founder and CEO of Loch Alainn Construction and heads the John Tolan Foundation Charitable Fund. She is a former Palos Heights Police Department Community Service Officer (CSO) who worked alongside First Responders for many years, and a Marist High School alumnus. A member of St. Alexander Church Parish, she is a lifelong Palos/Orland Resident.

OFPD Trustee Donald "DJ" Jeffers with Orland Township Trustee Lena Matariyeh
OFPD Trustee Donald “DJ” Jeffers with Orland Township Trustee Lena Matariyeh

Margaret Schofield was elected Fire Trustee in 1991 and served as president through her passing in February 2002.

For more information, visit www.OrlandFire.org

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters - October 9, 2025
  • Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations - October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” - October 8, 2025
NPV: 58
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
breaking news, Fire, Government, News, NewsWire, Orland Fire Protection District, Orland Park, Orland Township, Photos, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:Beth Damas Kaspar, Bridget Eileen Tolan, Donald "DJ" Jeffers, firefighters, first woman Board President, first-ever woman board president, Jayne Schirmacher, John Brudnak, May 5 2025, Mike Schofield, Nick Cinquepalmi, oath of office, OFPD, Orland Fire Protection District, swearing in

Post navigation

Previous Post: Congresswoman Robin Kelly clear leader in race to succeed Senator Dick Durbin
Next Post: Roseland Ceasefire Warns Chicago’s Homicide Numbers Could Be Victims of  Trump’s Targeted Cuts

Related Posts

  • Scott R. Kaspar
    Scott Kaspar announces candidacy for Congress in 6th District elections
  • Tami O'Brien with her son the former Chicago Police officer son, Jason. Photo courtesy of Steve Neuhaus
    Sports figures, activists warn of rising opioid crisis News
  • OFPD applications for firefighters open through Oct. 20, 2025
    Orland Fire Protection District now accepting applications for position of firefighter/paramedic Employment
  • Mayor Christopher Getty joined business owner Phil DeGeratto and local officials on Wednesday March 26, 2025 to celebrate the grand opening of Buddy Bear Car Wash’s 17th location at 8136 Ogden Avenue in Lyons.
    Mayor Christopher Getty Welcomes Buddy Bear Car Wash to Lyons Business
  • Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
    Ray Hanania’s columns this week on Chicago, Orland Park and the Arab American community Chicago
  • Goalie Garret Sparks of the Chicago Wolves. Courtesy of the Chicago Wolves.
    Chicago Wolves beat Milwaukee again Chicago

More Related Articles

Wolves lose Game 4 of Calder Cup Finals. Photo courtesy of the Wolves Wolves lose 3rd game in Calder Cup Finals Chicago
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas with elected officials and Arab community leaders at the Arab American Heritage celebration at Oozi Restaurant April 10, 2019. Photo courtesy of Anthony Caciopo Treasurer Maria Pappas postpones collections to help coronavirus victims Chicago
Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights Children rescued from abusive home now safe, Dads’ Rights attorney Leving reports Chicago
State Treasurer Michael Frerichs State Treasurer Frerichs says Diversity and Transparency are good for business Civil Rights
Summit to get parking News
One of the Arab Community’s most effective organizations Blogger

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters
    October 9, 2025
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme