Orland Fire District inducts firefighter trainees into fulltime positions

Orland Park, IL – The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) Wednesday (March 4, 2026) swore in five firefighter trainees to positions of full-time firefighters.

The five inductees trained for more than a year before qualifying for the positions, and included Benjamin Bergen, Christopher Bailey, Philip McLaughlin, Mahmoud Razek, and Tyler VanDenHandel.

The OFPD is considered one of the best in the nation, boasting the highest training and response rankings and the highest cardiac arrest save rate in the country.

The ceremonies were conducted by Deputy Fire Chief John Purtill, Commissioners Mohammed Jaber and Brian O’Neill, Board President Beth Damas Kaspar and Trustee DJ Jeffers, along with about 80 family and friends.

“Congratulations, you have passed the rigorous testing of probation, demonstrating the skill, integrity, and dedication required to serve this community. As Orland firefighters, you now carry the responsibility of upholding these high standards of excellence, bravery, and service to our residents,” Purtill said in opening the ceremony at the OFPD Headquarters Board Room.

“Look around the room. Look at the faces of the people who have supported you, who listened to your worries and celebrated the small victories over the past year. Now, look at the men and women standing to your left and right. These are the people who have seen you at your best, your worst, and most exhausted. Today marks a defining moment in your career. You are no longer probies. You are no longer the one expected to simply carry the gear. Today, you take your place as a firefighter with the Orland Fire District. But let’s be clear, this isn’t just a promotion title, it’s a profound shift in responsibility.”

Purtill added, “Orland Fire is built on a foundation of integrity, camaraderie, and service. It is a culture where we hold each other accountable, but we’ll also support each other completely. You are now the custodians of this culture. It is your job to pass on the traditions, to mentor the next group of recruits, and to ensure that the reputation of this district remains impeccable.”

Each of the new firefighters was accompanied by members of their family as OFPD Commissioner Mohammed Jaber administered the Oath of Office. A relative pinned their Fire Badges on their uniforms afterwards.

“Congratulations to the five firefighters who recently graduated from the academy and officially joined the Orland Fire Protection District. This achievement reflects the hard work and commitment required to serve the district. We are proud to welcome these five inductees into the exceptional team of firefighters and paramedics.,” Commissioner Jaber said afterwards.

President Damas Kaspar and Trustee Jeffers both expressed their best wishes to the new firefighters serving in the best fire district in the country, congratulating each of them.

Retired Lieutenant Chaplain John Vogel presented the meeting invocation. Training and Safety Officer and Lt. Robert Griffin III congratulated the new firefighters, praising them for their training performances.

For more information, visit www.OrlandFire.org.

— Press Release

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