Community turns out to salute Orland firefighters at open house

The Orland dive team demonstrates how they perform a water rescue.

Nearly 500 people attended an open house hosted by the Orland Fire Protection District on Saturday that featured an up-close look at the techniques firefighters use to respond to emergencies.

Demonstrations by firefighters included a rope rescue showing how individuals can be rescued from apartment buildings; the dive team demonstrated how they can rescue individuals from local ponds and lakes; a vehicle extrication demonstrating lifesaving techniques used to rescue individuals from car accidents; the side-by-side burns which show how fire is inhibited in a room with sprinklers versus a room that does not have sprinklers; and a hazmat static display showcasing techniques and equipment used to respond to dangerous chemical accidents.

AJ Chojnacki, 4, of Orland Park gets his face painted.

Orland Fire Protection District Fire Chief Michael Schofield welcomed everyone to the return of the fire district’s annual open house, which were postponed since 2020 during the COVID pandemic.

“The Orland Fire Protection District is an ISO Class 1 and we are internationally accredited and we are very excited to show off what we do and how we do it,” Schofield said referring to the national agency that measures and scores a fire department’s ability to protect a community. ISO has given the OFPD its highest rating.

“We have one of the finest fire departments in the area. The men and women here in Orland are very proud. So don’t hesitate to go up to any of these people an ask questions. Thank you for coming out. We appreciate it.”

The Orland Fire Protection District also has one of the highest “Save Rates” in the country, which means that an individual who has a heart attack in the district has a 65 percent chance of survival, compared to the regional and national average of only 10-15 percent.

The Open House featured entertainment, an area where children learned about fire prevention and face painting. And there was a barbecue where attendees received free food.

Many co-sponsors including the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department, the Orland Park Police Department, information from Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, the Orland Park Public Library, the Lions Club, which provided eye screenings, and Walgreens. EZCloud Solutions handed out giveaways at the Training Campus at 10728 163rd Place.

This year’s open house theme was “Fire won’t wait — Plan your escape” and showcased awareness of the upcoming annual Fire Prevention Week October 9 through 15.

Orland firefighter Mark Hogan teaches the crowd about fire safety and need for an escape plan.

House of Music students entertain the crowd.