Roberts Park Fire Protection District promoted three members and commended nearly twenty for their work during devastating storms at a Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday.
Firefighter/Paramedic Caitlin Flood was sworn in as a full-time member after completing her probationary year. Rebecca Scanlon was promoted to lieutenant. Lieutenant James Janchenko was promoted to battalion chief.
The commendations recognized firefighters who responded to a derecho on June 10 and an EF-2 tornado on June 11 that caused widespread damage in Justice and Hickory Hills.
The National Weather Service confirmed the June 10 derecho produced wind gusts up to 80 mph. The following day, an EF-2 tornado barreled through the area, causing significant damage.
June 11 was one of the busiest operational periods in the district’s history, with firefighters handling downed trees and power lines, damaged utility poles, structural damage, medical emergencies, and other storm-related hazards.
Eleven firefighters received Unit Commendations for their work on June 10: Battalion Chief Aric Anderson, Lieutenants Chris Grazier and James Janchenko, Firefighter/Paramedics Caitlin Flood, Brian Herrera, Mary McDermott, Becky Scanlon, and David Shaw, and Firefighters Jaime Corral, Manny Prado, and Michael Risley.
Ten firefighters received commendations for June 11: Battalion Chief Chris Knights, Lieutenants Eric Baron, Cindy Byrd, and Jim Janchenko, Firefighter/Paramedics Jim Evans, Caitlin Flood, Nick Hooten, Ed Lox, and Gavin McKendry, and Firefighter Joshua Cash.
Some firefighters worked both days in trying conditions.
Fire Chief Christopher Spoo said the promotions “represent the bright future of the Roberts Park Fire Protection District. Their hard work and dedication ensure that the communities of Justice and Hickory Hills remain in highly capable, proven hands.”
The district serves Justice and Hickory Hills from two stations: Fire Station 1 at 8611 S. Roberts Road and Fire Station 2 at 7800 S. Archer Road in Justice.
Secretary Stratakos swears in Firefighter-Paramedic Caitlin Flood Credit: Carol McGowan / Southwest Regional Publishing 
Secretary Stratakos swears in Lieutenant Rebecca Scanlon Credit: Carol McGowan / Southwest Regional Publishing 
Secretary Stratakos congratulates Battalion Chief James Janchenko Credit: Carol McGowan / Southwest Regional Publishing 
June 10th Commendation recipients Credit: Carol McGowan / Southwest Regional Publishing 
June 11 commendation recipients Credit: Carol McGowan / Southwest Regional Publishing 
Battalion Chief James Janchenko, right, with his father, retired Bedford Park Police Lieutenant James Janchenko Credit: Carol McGowan / Southwest Regional Publishing 
Celebratory cake was served after the RPFPD swearing-in ceremony Credit: Carol McGowan / Southwest Regional Publishing