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Orland Fire Officially Promotes new Fire Chief John Purtill and Command Staff
Deputy Chief John Purtill was sworn in Tuesday (June 9, 2026) as the new Fire Chief/Administrator for the Orland Fire Protection District at a ceremony held at the Orland Civic Center.
OFPD Board President Beth Damas Kaspar opened the meeting, and she and members of the Board of Trustees administered the Oath of Office to Fire Chief Purtill, Deputy Chief of Operations Joshua Girdick, and Deputy Chief of Administration Shawn Richards.
More than 200 people attended the ceremony emceed by two former Fire Chiefs, Robert Buhs and Michael Schofield, who indicated it was the first time the fire district had sworn in an entirely new command staff at the same time.
Both Chiefs recognized the District as being one of the best in the country since being founded on Oct. 4, 1969.
“The Orland Fire Protection District became one of the only fire protection districts in the country to be recognized with an ISO 1, and also be internationally accredited,” Chief Schofield said.
“Orland Fire has more Paramedics on duty every day than any fire district in the State of Illinois.”
Buhs, who served as the District’s second Fire Chief, introduced Chief Purtill, who was sworn in to his new rank by Trustee Bridget Tolan, as his wife, Nicole and children, Grace, Delaney, Declan and Nolan stood by his side.
Buhs noted Chief Purtill rose through the organization serving in every Fire District rank and is familiar with the responsibilities at every level.
“Let me tell you a little bit about John. Most firefighters do not begin their careers thinking about one day becoming Fire Chief. But when you look at John’s background, his experience, and the way he has carried himself throughout his career, you can see that from that moment, it did not happen by choice. It is the result of years of steady growth, commitment, and leadership.”
Buhs added, “He is organized, reliable, deeply committed to serving the community with excellence, and his progression tells the story clearly – Firefighter, Paramedic, Lieutenant, Shift Battalion Chief, Battalion Chief of Operations, Battalion Chief of Administration, and ultimately, Interim Chief. Every one of these roles reflects growth in leadership and a readiness for the responsibility he now assumes. It is clear from John’s background, his preparation, and the example he has set that he is ready for the role.”
After being sworn in by Trustee Tolan, Chief Purtill addressed the audience by thanking district personnel and the community for their support.
“Our district did not become one of the most respected, highly rated, life-saving organizations in the state by accident. It was built on the sweat, dedication, and courage of those who served before us. To the retired chiefs, officers, and firefighters who paved the way, your legacy is the foundation we still use today. You taught us what it meant to put duty above self,” Chief Purtill said.
“You established a standard of excellence that requires every single one of us to bring our best to every call. I look at the history of our district, how we have grown from a small, volunteer/ paid on-call department, to a premier, all hazard rescue agency, and I’m deeply humbled to now serve as a keeper of that tradition.”
Deputy Chief Richards was sworn in by OFPD Trustee DJ Jeffers, as his wife Jacqueline and daughters, Celeste and Jillian stood by his side.
Deputy Chief Girdick was sworn in by Board President Damas Kaspar, as his wife Kristy and daughter Meghan stood by his side.
“To my Orland Fire District family, it has been a privilege to serve beside you so far as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Union President, EMS Coordinator, Battalion Chief, and now Deputy Chief. I promise to carry this role with the same dedication and professionalism that I brought to each of my prior roles. I will always continue to support you in every way I can, so that together we can continue to make this district as strong and successful as possible,” Deputy Chief Girdick said.
“I am excited to work alongside Chief Purtill and Deputy Chief Richards as we build upon the foundation laid by the leaders that came before us.”
Also in attendance were OFPD Trustees Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich, former Fire Chief Raymond Kay, many retired Firefighters, Lieutenants and Battalion Chiefs, Fire Commissioner Mohammed Jaber, the Commanded Staff of the Orland Police Department, led by Chief Eric Rossi, and Orland Township Trustee Lena Matariyeh.
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