Orland Fire Protection District names new Fire Chief – swearing-in Ceremony June 9

The Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees will host a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, for newly appointed Fire Chief John Purtill.

During the ceremony, the board will also swear-in Joshua Girdick as Deputy Chief of Operations and Shawn Richards as Deputy Chief of Administration.

The swearing-in will take place at 6 PM at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Avenue, in Orland Park beginning at 6 PM.

Purtill’s appointment as Fire Chief was approved at the OFPD regular meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The board also approved the appointments of Girdick and Richards at the board meeting.

OFPD Fire Chief John Purtill, to be sworn in June 9, 2026

Purtill holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science Management from Southern IL University. With 33-plus years in the fire service, and 30 of those years with OFPD, Purtill has held every rank, with 20 of those years serving as a Fire Officer.

Purtill did not hesitate to step up and fill the role of Interim Fire Chief during the search process.

Purtill has served on multiple specialty teams, and is currently serving in the position of Task Force leader of the IL TF-1 Urban Search & Rescue Team.

In addition, Chief Purtill has done grant writing for the District, and is currently completing the Fire Chief Officer Program, demonstrating his desire to strive to be the best he can be.

— PRESS RELEASE

Click here to subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania's Columns