Orland Fire District 'Strongly Condemns' Police Reform Bill

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Orland Fire Protection District released a statement opposing the current police reform bill that's making its way to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, adding to the list of officials in town that have opposed the legislation.

House Bill 3653, which the Illinois Sheriffs' Association refers to as the "Defund the Police" bill, passed by a 60-50 vote. If passed, the bill will change use-of-force guidelines, require body cameras for every police department in the state, end cash bail, and strip collective bargaining rights relating to discipline from police unions. The Senate passed the bill in the early morning hours of Wednesday by a 32-23 vote.

Fire Protection District President Chris Evoy, and Trustees Jim Hickey, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher and Craig F. Schmidt, said the nearly 700-page bill was rushed through legislatures, without a full and deliberate debate. The board believes it was rushed with the intent to minimize public input and response, stating "some legislators traded their responsibilities to do what’s right in order to win accolades from extremist activists and enrich themselves politically or even financially."

"We believe that rather than strengthen the ability of police to protect our citizens, the adoption of HB 3653 weakens their proven ability to fight crime, ties the hands of police in responding to crime, and sends a wrong message that relies on the stereotyping of all police officers based on wildly exaggerated criticism," The statement reads. "We oppose all crimes. But to blame every police officer for the acts of individuals is a form of stereotyping and it is wrong."

The district said this bill would send the wrong message to residents, by implying police are not doing their jobs professionally. The board continued to say it gives the impression that the legislation does not stand with police in fighting crime.

"The adoption of this law is an absolute affront to the men and women who wear the police uniform who every day risk their lives to save the lives of law-abiding citizens. Police are put into an impossible situation in which they are forced to respond to emergencies and criminals acts in which the rights of criminals are often given a higher priority than the rights of the victims," The statement reads. "In weakening the police, this legislation emboldens criminals to do more believing they have a better chance to avoid prosecution."

The district added,"The impact of this legislation will tie the hands of police in doing their jobs, expose law-abiding citizens to be victimized by criminals who will be empowered by this legislation, and undermine the public’s confidence at a time when it needs to be strengthened. We should not be helping criminals avoid being fairly judged for their crimes. We should be standing with law-abiding citizens of every race, religion and national origin to send a message that their lives and their families are important and will be protected."

The district concluded its statement by saying they stand with officers "who risk their lives every day to protect the lives of law-abiding citizens," and sacrifices.

"Shame on those legislators who voted 'Yes' and ignored their responsibilities to law-abiding men, women and children exposing them with these provisions by weakening the ability of police to confront crime," the statement said.

Orland Park Police Chief Joe Mitchell released a statement earlier this week opposing the bill as well. Mitchell said the legislation "empowers criminals while tying the hands of police officers while making arrests for the benefit of public safety." He said the OPPD employs the best officers in the country, who hold themselves with high ethical standards and have a history of safe policing.

"I, along with other law enforcement leaders are extremely disappointed by the process, the lack of discussion and collaboration with members of law enforcement by our lawmakers, and the ultimate voting outcome in the Illinois General Assembly today," Mitchell said. "Despite the limitations and challenges that law enforcement now faces as a result of this overreaching legislation, the men and women of the Orland Park Police Department will never waver in our mission to safeguard the citizens of Orland Park with dignity and professionalism."

Mayor Keith Pekau is also in opposition of the bill, discussing it numerous times on social media. Pekau said the legislation will cause more harm than good.

"The FOP and every police organization opposes this bill. Every mayor's organization in the state opposes this bill. Every state's attorney in Illinois opposes this bill, except Kim Foxx – who is the biggest impediment to public safety in Cook County," Pekau said on his official Facebook page.

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