5 Tinley Park District Workers Recognized For Acts Of Bravery

TINLEY PARK, IL —For five members of the village’s Park District staff, acts of bravery are not typically on the task list of their annual duties. But when a local resident unexpectedly needed help, none of the workers hesitated in lending a hand when it was needed most.

The employees were working near a Tinley Park home that caught fire in late January, springing the park employees into action to assist a local resident and made sure they got out of their home safely until first arrivers could respond.

“An alert resident out walking his dog made the initial 911 call, and the workers' quick thinking and assisting the resident to safety helped prevent further injuries,” Tinley Park Fire Chief Administrator Stephen Klotz said on Wednesday night. “We appreciate and applaud members of our community who are alert and willing to help other residents. It’s one of the many reasons this is a great community to live in.”

Matt Brown, Razvan Enasescu, Jesus Franco, Mike Lenkiewicz, and Gerald Ryba were recognized by village officials on Wednesday after their brave actions allowed the Tinley Park resident to avoid being injured when their house caught fire on Jan. 30.

All five members were working near Vogt Woods Park when they heard cries for help coming from the nearby home, village officials said. The Park District employees quickly arrived at the residence and assisted the homeowners and got them to safety until paramedics and firefighters could arrive.

“We are incredibly proud of the quick-thinking actions of our staff, who did not hesitate to run toward danger and help this resident,” Park Board President Marie Ryan said at a ceremony honoring the five on Wednesday evening. “All of us at the Park District want to thank them for their brave actions."