Orland Park officials voted unanimously Monday to replace the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency with the Orland Park Emergency Management Agency in an effort to strengthen the village’s commitment to emergency preparedness, disaster response and public safety.
“We also need to layer in some improved organizational structure,” Mayor Jim Dodge said. “EMA is a good organization that works closely with police and fire and members are constantly increasing and improving their training levels in emergency response and expanding their respective organizations. “
Members assist the police and fire departments at numerous events, including the Taste of Orland.
Dodge said Orland Park, like many communities across the state, are modernizing their emergency management structures to meet today’s threats – from natural disasters to public health emergencies to infrastructure failures.
“Establishing the EMA aligns Orland Park with state and federal all-hazards standards and positions us to respond faster and more effectively when our residents need us most,” he said.
Dodge said the village is actively recruiting qualified individuals to fill several key volunteer and part-time roles within the EMA. Open positions include: EMA Responder (Volunteer); EMA Technician (Part-Time); and EMA Officer (Part-Time).
Trustee Bill Healy said he supports the change in an effort to “expand the abilities of emergency management.”
He credited Mayor Dodge and Trustee Mike Milani for working hard on the transition “to a much better prepared Emergency Management Agency that is ready for any unexpected event.”
Applicants must be 18 years old, hold a valid driver’s license and meet training and background checks. Part-time members must commit to a minimum of 120 hours annually.
EMA technicians are paid $21 per hour. Technicians who complete mandatory training requirements and receive a recommendation are eligible for promotion to EMA Officer. The hourly pay for this position is $25 per hour.
All EMA members receive comprehensive paid training in areas such as CPR/AED, incident command, emergency operations and search and rescue.
 For more information and to apply, visit orlandpark.org/ema or email ema@orlandpark.org.Â