IL Task Force 1—Search & Rescue

The Orland Fire Protection District has 5 members on the Urban Search and Rescue Team (the “Team”). Current Orland Fire District IL-TF1 members are Battalion Chief John Purtill, Safety Officer; Battalion Chief Joseph Moore, Planning Team Manger; Lieutenant Dan Ritchie, Structures Specialist; and Firefighter Mark Hogan, Rescue Specialist. The Team is composed from around the State of Illinois and Iowa, consisting of about 200 personnel divided into three platoons. A Type I Task Force of 80 personnel has the goals to respond, search, rescue and assist at major disasters, including earthquakes, floods, tornados or large building collapses. Each member is required to attend monthly drill during the year, for about 100 hours of training. The Team can be broken down into smaller response components to fit the needs of the disaster. While COIVD continued to effect some of the training, several large trainings did occur. The Team continued to help support COVID needs with tents and logistics. In June, training included a Great Lakes Boat Rescue Deployment and a Type 1 Drill at Volk Field in Wisconsin. The Team continues to train on collapse, trench, rope, and confined space rescues. Additionally the Team practices on rescue profiles, patient assessment, search, GPS locations, water rescue, planning, logistics and hazardous materials identification.

Illinois Responders Sent for Water Rescue Assistance After Hurricane Ida

On August 31, 2021, Illinois Search and Rescue crews were deployed for water rescues after Hurricane Ida tore through Louisiana. A 46-member Urban Search and Rescue Team responded to Louisiana due to dangerous storm surges caused by the hurricane, which made landfall in the United States. First Responders to the affected area are from the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) IL-Task Force 1 from northern Illinois. The group has members from throughout the state, including OFPD Battalion Chief Purtill, Lieutenant Fontana, Lieutenant Ritchie and Firefighter Hogan. These Responders were deployed for approximately 8 days. They worked with local rescuers on search, rescue and recovery missions for people and animals in flooded areas. The Team also provided on-the-spot emergency medical care, emergency transportation for medical needs and support of helicopter rescue operations in water environments.