Zekich, Greenfield Secure Spots On Fire District Board Of Trustees

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Park voters Tuesday were asked to select just two of eight candidates to assume seats on the Orland Park Fire Protection District Board of Trustees. With all precincts reporting and the top three vote-getters incredibly close, newcomers Tina Zekich and Angela Greenfield are the projected winners.

Zekich and Greenfield—who differed from several of the candidates in that they are not first responders—were endorsed by an organized group of Orland firefighters.

The two "reached out to the Firefighters of Orland to discuss their platform and hear our concerns and desires for the future of the fire district," the group wrote in their endorsement "These women have pledged to responsibly maintain our operating budget, while supporting the men and women of the Orland Professional Firefighters. These women have the temerity to stand up for what is right so we can focus on what we do best, serving and protecting the residents. Together we will continue to build upon the high caliber Fire and Emergency Medical service we provide everyday."

Current commissioner Matthew Rafferty was joined by William Bonnar Jr. on the Orland First Responders slate. Others also seeking seats included Michael Gabriele, Eric Vates, Richard Miller and Craig Schmidt. Rafferty is currently a commissioner with the fire district. Gabriele serves as deputy fire chief in nearby Palos Park. Incumbent Schmidt will relinquish his seat.

With the polls closed, here’s how vote tallies look, with 45 of 45 precincts reporting:

• Tina Zekich: 3,496
• Angela Greenfield: 3,276
• Richard Miller: 3,214
• Matthew Rafferty: 2,049
• William Bonnar Jr.: 1,713
• Michael Gabriele: 892
• Eric Vates: 2,932
• Craig Schmidt: 830

Orland Fire Chief Michael Schofield in February announced the district's "save rate" has risen to 71 percent, from 65 percent in the last year, making it one of the highest in the region and state.

Among talking points with the candidates, some noted their experience as first responders as essential to the role they're seeking. Others, though not first responders, said they prioritize communication and engagement with first responders to recognize and fulfill their needs.