Memorials

Line of Duty In Memory of Battalion Chief William Bonnar, Sr.

February 25, 2021, marked the 23nd anniversary of Chief William Bonnar Sr.’s death in the line-of-duty.

Bill was born June 4, 1936 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He worked in the trucking industry and moved to Orland Park in the early 1960’s. Bill volunteered for the Orland Fire District and was one of the first Paramedics at Ingalls Memorial Hospital. He joined the Chicago Fire Department and was on some of the busiest ambulances for three years. Bill joined the Orland Fire District full-time in 1977, rose to the rank of Lieutenant in 1981, was Shift Commander in 1989, and then Battalion Chief in 1990. He died in the line-of-duty, doing what he always enjoyed, training with his shift. Bill is survived by his wife Pat, and three children: the late Colleen, William Jr. (the late Sue) and Kathy (Leo) DeLair and eight grandchildren. Bill was known for a desire to learn, a unique passion for excellence and June 4, 1936 to commitment to lead. He was proud of all his education and training, February 25, 1998 especially his Fire Officer III. Bill was a charter member of Local 2754 and its first President. He saw the district change in his 26 years from rural to urban, from volunteer to full-time. He loved his job, the fire district and the fire service.

In Memory of Lieutenant Raymond Marquardt , Sr.

September 14, 2021, marked the 12th anniversary of Lieutenant Raymond C. Marquardt, Sr.’s death due to a line of duty illness.

Ray was born in Blue Island Illinois and graduated from Blue Island Community High School in 1957. He married Nancy Bomard at Salem Lutheran Church in Blue Island in 1959. Ray joined the Orland Fire District in 1967, full-time in 1977, rose to the rank of Lieutenant and was in charge of the Fire Prevention Bureau for several years. He retired from the department in 1999. Ray and his late wife Nancy are survived by 4 children Kimberly (Harold) Solley, Judith (Ronald) Brown, Retired Orland Engineer Ray (Linda) Marquardt and Homer Fire Captain Brent (Michelle) Marquardt, along with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ray was known for his love of Cushman Motor Scooters and fishing, and greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.

November 16, 1938 to September 14, 2009

9-1-1 Remembrance Memorial—20 Years

On September 11, 2021, the Orland Fire Protection District held its annual Memorial Service to remember those who so tragically lost their lives to terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This year’s ceremony marked the 20th year since the horrific attack on our country. Thanks to Board President Evoy, Retirees, MVCC Fire Service students, Cadets, CERT members, SAC members and OFPD personnel for joining us for this special 20th Anniversary ceremony. Also a big thanks to Tavern in the Glen for providing a complimentary delicious hot breakfast for all who attended.

Later that morning, the Orland Fire District also participated with the Village of Orland Park, Illinois and Orland Park Veterans Commission in a Commemorative Ceremony Honoring the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, which was held outside of Village Hall at the Orland Park Ara Pacé Memorial.