Orland Fire District Swears In 9 New Firefighter Paramedics

ORLAND PARK, IL — On Tuesday evening, the Orland Fire Protection District held a swear-in event for its newest Firefighter-Paramedics. The event was held at the Orland Park Civic Center, where Fire District Personnel, along with family and friends of the new firefighters, gathered to celebrate the occasion.

The 9 Candidates completed a year-long process of training and preparation to be officially sworn in as Orland Firefighters. The new firefighters include Jack Rochford, Mike Dillenbeck, Joe adams, Mike Pacella, Zain Corral, Quinn Burke, Brian Knights, Max Janik, and Richard Qualter.

Fire Chief Michael Schofield spoke to the new firefighters about being the future of the Orland Fire Protection District. Training Lieutenant Robert Griffin further expounded on the rigorous training the Candidates conducted over the past 12 months. The firefighters were trained in a variety of emergency scenarios involving all levels of rescue equipment and tactics.

This ceremony was very special for one of the candidates. Firefighter Quinn Burke had his new badge pinned on him by his father, recently retired Orland Fire District Engineer Matt Burke. Engineer Burke said, "It was a moment I have looked forward to for a long time. This is very special, and I'm beyond proud to see Quinn join such a great group of men and women. There's no more rewarding profession than being a Firefighter."

Orland Professional Firefighters Local 2754 President Dan Fagan explained the mission of the Firefighters. "The future of our Fire District is in the hands of this new generation to mold and shape it to be the best it can be. Despite whatever has been said about us, we are always dedicated to serving and protecting the residents of Orland and these new Firefighters are fully prepared to carry out that mission."

Firefighter Paramedic Joel Hopman was also slated to be sworn in but was out of the country on a medical mission trip to help struggling families in the Dominican Republic. Firefighter Hopman will be officially sworn in upon his return.