34 minute read
Communications/Dispatch
Communications Director
Bill (“Stuey”) Neumann
The Orland Fire Protection District operates a Fire & EMS only Communications/Dispatch Center that provides 911 EMS and Fire service to the residents of the Orland Fire Protection District. Under contract, Orland Central Dispatch (OCD) also provides the same services to residents of Oak Forest, Lemont FPD, Palos FPD, Calumet City, Country Club Hills, Blue Island, Merrionette Park and Garden Homes. Our Dispatch team consists of a Director, Supervisor and 12 full-time Telecommunicators. The Center is staffed with 3 Telecommunicators 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In 2020, Orland Central processed over 36,000 calls for service. Besides the departments contracted with the Center, Orland Central is the Mutual Aid Box Alarm (MABAS) Dispatch Center for Division 19, which covers 12 Southwest Suburban communities. Some departments require assistance for incidents beyond their resources and capabilities. MABAS was systematically designed to provide speed of response and resources to these stricken communities during such an emergency. In 2020, Orland Central handled 29 requests through the MABAS Division 19 System. Orland Central is also the back-up Communications Center for RED Center in Northbrook. RED Center serves as the primary dispatch center for the State of Illinois when a coordinated statewide response of firefighting and EMS personnel and equipment is needed. Orland Central is responsible for the coordination of any suburban response needed for an assist to the Chicago Fire Department for incidents south of 22nd Street in Chicago. Orland Telecommunicators participate in ongoing Continuous Education provided by APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officers) and the Silver Cross EMS System on a monthly basis. The Telecommunicators also participate in Incident Command, MABAS, and Blue Card Simulator training with the Orland Firefighters. The dispatch center utilizes the Tri-Tech Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system that works along with automatic vehicle locators (AVL) in the fire rigs to dispatch the closest equipment to a call. The center also uses the RapidSOS Platform for every incoming 911 call that originates from a cellular phone. The RapidSOS Platform assists Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) across the US, and is integrated with over 350 million connected cellular phones and devices. These connected phones and devices, recognized as RapidSOS Ready, transmit real-time location, health and medical information in an emergency. 2020 proved a challenging year for everyone due to COVID-19. Like other dispatch centers, Orland Central had to arrange to screen the employees daily, cover shifts when some of the dispatchers had to be quarantined, and adjust to a “new sense of normal”. Complicating matters further is the fact that evolving health guidelines and the limitations of resources caused frequent changes in the procedures used in dispatching first responders. In addition to asking 911 callers routine questions, additional questions designed to assess the COVID-19 risk were added. Furthermore, agencies are changing protocols regularly to keep their employees and the public safe. Orland Central’s Telecommunicators proved they are true professionals in these trying times.
The Orland Fire Protection District’s (OFPD) Support Service Bureau consists of six specialized areas committed to aggressively maintaining the Fire District’s facilities, vehicles and equipment. Safety, reliability and readiness are priorities, in addition to operating cost-effective and efficient maintenance programs. Support Service encompasses the maintenance and repair of OFPD: Facilities, Fleet Vehicles, SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus), Tools, Equipment and Hose, as well as the Support Services Lieutenant Jim Hynes procurement and distribution of various supplies. We take no shortcuts when it comes to maintaining OFPD emergency vehicles, facilities and equipment. Emergency equipment is very unique, extremely complex and quite challenging to maintain and repair. Given the nature of the fire service, this equipment is subject to extreme and less than ideal operating conditions, which not only result in significant wear and tear, but demand a very high and specialized level of technical skill. Orland Fire Protection District technicians possess a keen knowledge and understanding of auto and truck, mechanical, emission control and fuel injection systems, in addition to welding, fabrication, building maintenance, HVAC systems, multi-phase commercial electrical systems and communication systems. What sets our people apart is their level of expertise with the technical intricacies specific to fire, EMS, emergency equipment and building systems and maintenance. All equipment is serviced regularly and thoroughly maintained as part of the Orland Fire Protection District’s preventive-maintenance program.
About the program: Reduces costly breakdowns and increases reliability Staffed with trained, certified, highly-skilled and very valued technicians Fleet of 60 pieces of fire apparatus, ambulances, specialty equipment and support vehicles combined Six Fire Stations, Headquarters building, Fleet Maintenance building and three training buildings Utilizes a cost-conscious, cost-effective, common sense approach Ongoing initiative to exceed operational demands and increase efficiency Pride and professionalism are the expectation Safe work practices and safe equipment are a must
The Support Service Bureau provides behind-the-scenes services that are essential to effective Fire, EMS, and Rescue Operations. Serving the community is the privilege of every Orland Fire Protection District employee. This applies to not only those responding to fires, EMS calls or other emergencies, but also those people behind the scenes repairing our facilities and fire apparatus, as well as performing other essential functions. In the end, every Orland Fire Protection District employee fulfills a vital role that allows our organization to help others in times of need. Helping others is truly our privilege.
Facility Maintenance
General Repairs – The OFPD employs 1 full-time and 3 part-time building maintenance technicians with extensive backgrounds in HVAC, plumbing, electrical and building maintenance systems. Most repairs are handled in-house, which allows us to address issues in a prompt, efficient manner, which keeps costs down and minimizes any impact to operations.
Orland Facility Maintenance Technicians installing a new roof top HVAC unit (RTU) at our Administration Building. This unit was purchased through a Com Ed rebate program that covered approximately 80% of the cost and is replacing a 10 year old unit that failed.
Fleet Maintenance
Frame Corrosion Repair—The photos below depict a major renovation on a 2009 Spartan/Darley Pumper. The apparatus body was removed to facilitate sandblasting and recoating of the chassis frame in addition to fabrication and installation of a new body sub-frame. This project was performed in the OFPD repair facility by OFPD technicians.
Darley LDBM, 1500gpm, Single Stage, CAFS, Pump Rebuild
This pump features a highly complex Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS). All of our fire pumps are tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratory each year. This pump failed the annual test and was completely rebuilt by OFPD Technician Scott Landgraf. OFPD vehicles are extremely well-maintained, which is imperative given the need for 100% reliability and the severe duty associated with emergency response.
New Vehicles
Engine 2—Unit # 6043 is a 2020 Pierce, Enforcer, Pumper assigned to Engine Company 2. This unit features a 4 person cab, 1500gpm Waterous, single stage pump, 750 gallon water tank, a 450hp, Cummins, ISL engine, and an Allision, EVS, 3000P, transmission. Ambulance 2—Unit # 6012 is a 2020 Ford/Horton Ambulance assigned to Ambulance 2. This unit is equipped with the latest ALS equipment and features a Stryker, Power Load, cot.
Staff Vehicles - Unit #’s 6131 and 6151 are 2020 Chevrolet (SSV) Tahoes assigned to the Chief and Deputy Chief. These vehicles were purchased through a government pricing consortium at substantially reduced prices. Staff vehicles are reassigned as they age and are typically kept in service for 10 – 15 years. Battalion Chief Response Vehicle - Unit # 6141 is a 2020 Chevrolet (SSV) Tahoe assigned to the Shift Battalion Chiefs for emergency response.
New Fleet Maintenance Facility
The OFPD Board of Trustees approved construction of a new Fleet Maintenance Facility located at 10704 W. 163rd Place. Construction began in November of 2020 and is expected to be completed by August 2021. This facility is replacing our existing, much smaller shop which opened in 1987. The new, much larger facility will allow us to generate revenue by taking in work from other fire departments.
New Fleet Maintenance Facility
7G Program 7G is a program that allows Firefighters to perform work outside of their firefighting duties. We have many talented people among our ranks who contribute on a part-time basis, performing important functions such as: Building Maintenance, Fleet Maintenance, IT, Supplies, Snow Removal, Training, etc.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
SCBA’s are worn by Firefighters to protect them from inhaling toxic and superheated gases found in fires and hazardous environments. Compressed air is stored at a pressure of 4500 psi in cylinders worn on each Firefighter’s back similar to a backpack. Due to the extreme pressure and exposure to hostile environments, this equipment must be thoroughly tested and maintained. The OFPD practices a regimented routine of daily and weekly checks, inspections, maintenance and cleaning. This equipment is also tested and certified each year. We keep our SCBA’s in top condition as our lives quite literally depend on them. In September of 2020, the OFPD received an Assistance to Firefighter’s Grant (AFG) for the purchase of new SCBA’s. Our current SCBA’s were purchased in 2010 and after 10 plus years of protecting our personnel they are in need of replacement. We just recently took delivery of our new MSA, G1, SCBA’s and will be putting them in service after training our personnel.
Tools And Equipment The OFPD utilizes thousands of various pieces of equipment used for anything from vehicle extrication to thermal imaging cameras used to find victims in smoke-filled, zero visibility environments. This equipment must also be extremely wellmaintained and kept in a constant state of readiness so that it can be reliably deployed in any emergency.
(Shown are the latest advancements in vehicle extrication tools, battery-powered “Jaws of Life”)
Hose
Each OFPD fire engine carries nearly 3000 feet of various diameter fire hose. These hoses are designed to operate at pressures ranging from 80 psi to as high as 250 psi. Each length of hose is tested annually and repaired in house by OFPD personnel.
Supply
OFPD Support Service maintains an inventory of basic cleaning supplies and paper goods which are distributed to all facilities on a per order basis.
Finance Director
Kerry Sullivan
The Finance Department is responsible for all financial activities and financial functions of the district, including preparing the annual budget and property tax levy, paying employees, paying vendors, collecting revenue, investing funds, recording receipts, expenditures, and other financial transactions, and preparing financial reports.
2020 Financial Challenges and Accomplishments
Many financial challenges were presented and several financial opportunities were given to the District in 2020. Before the pandemic began, the District issued $5.3 million in debt to purchase a new truck and to construct a new replacement fleet maintenance facility. The interest cost on this debt is very low at 1.38%. The District’s Aa2 Moody’s rating was confirmed, which is an excellent rating for the District. The global pandemic caused staffing shortages of our Firefighter/Paramedics which needed to be filled with overtime. The District received grants through FEMA and Cook County to offset some of those costs. The global pandemic increased the demand for safety supplies and disinfecting equipment; the costs of which were also partially offset by grants. At the beginning of the pandemic, the District implemented a spending freeze due to the unknown effect the pandemic would have on revenue streams, specifically property taxes and ambulance fees. Fortunately, the property tax collection rate remained strong; unfortunately, ambulance transports decreased during the pandemic and, accordingly, ambulance revenue also decreased. Due to the District’s planning for this potential consequence, the District’s financial position remained strong at year end. District employees work on grants to fund projects outside of normal revenue streams. Due to these employees’ efforts, the District received several grants during 2020 including a FEMA Assistance to Firefighter’s Grant (in excess of $500,000) to replace Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus which are about to reach the end of their useful lives. This equipment is essential firefighting equipment. In addition, the District has been able to provide training of approximately $1.7 million in 2020 for our firefighter/paramedics as well as firefighter/paramedics from local departments at our regional training facility through a sub-grant agreement with Cook County. Due to the low interest rate environment, the District refinanced any eligible debt including an existing truck loan which was refinanced from 2.95% to 2.5% and the term decreased to 5 years (resulting in $27,000 savings over its term) and debt certificates which were originally issued to fund the pension fund’s actuarial unfunded liability were called and refinanced from 4.49% to 2.14% resulting in a savings of $1,463,000 over their term.
Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting
In 2020, the District received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This is the 12th consecutive year the District has received this prestigious award. The CAFR can be found on the District’s website at www.orlandfire.org.
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award was received by the District for 2018, 2019, and 2020. The 2021 budget has also been submitted for consideration. The 2021 budget document can be found at:
www.orlandfire.org/aboutthedistrict/ publictransparency/budgets/
2021 Budget
The 2021 budget was developed to serve as the financial plan for the upcoming year based on the Strategic Plan. Under direction from the Board of Trustees, the 2021 Budget gives priority to programs and services that support the goals described in the Strategic Plan and which provide the greatest benefit to District residents while recognizing the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The costs to achieve the District’s mission are primarily offset by property tax revenue. Increases in property tax revenue are limited by tax rate ceilings and property tax caps. Other sources of revenue includes ambulance service fees, grant revenue, dispatch service fees, and fire prevention fees. Revenue sources anticipated for the 2021 budget are summarized in the following graph:
Finance
The 2021 Budget gives priority to programs and services that provide the greatest benefit to District residents. The 2021 Budget represents the efforts of District staff in reviewing their operations, streamlining them when possible and investing in improvements to daily operations to benefit the safety of District residents and employees. The 2021 budget has been prepared with a conservative property tax collection rate estimates due to the unknown length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic during the next year. Accordingly, discretionary spending in program budgets was reduced significantly in the 2021 budget. If revenue exceeds projections, the budget will be amended. Expenditures anticipated for the 2021 budget are summarized in the following graph:
Fire Prevention Bureau Supervisor
Mike Ercoli
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Fire Prevention Bureau to educate the community about the benefits of proper safety practices, and to identify and eliminate hazardous conditions which pose a threat to life, property and the environment.
The Fire Prevention Bureau protects people by eliminating potential emergency situations before they occur. We use the term “proactive firefighting” to describe how we analyze new building plans in an attempt to anticipate potential life-safety issues. We also use this term to describe how we look for potential life-safety hazards while doing our annual inspections and bring them to the property owner’s attention. Our public education programs are designed to address current life-safety issues that we see occurring within the Fire District. Ultimately the goal of the Fire Prevention Bureau is to keep emergencies from occurring; thus keeping people out of harm’s way.
We believe that Fire Prevention plays a crucial role in making our community safer. Inspection, enforcement and public education work together to not only identify and correct safety issues, but also to help change people’s attitude toward safety. We anticipate fiscal 2021 to bring greater challenges as we strive to ensure the safety of the public and our firefighters.
Fire Prevention Bureau Activities for 2020:
March 18, 2020 annual commercial fire inspections were suspended for the year, at the request of the municipalities, due to the COVID pandemic.
During the COVID pandemic, bureau personnel switched from conducting fire inspections to completing pre-fire planning. The Fire Prevention Bureau completed pre-plans for the commercial, educational and multi-family buildings throughout the Fire District. Over 5000 annotations were made in the pre-plan software, which included: adding pictures of the buildings, fire alarm location, fire sprinkler location, Knox box, gas/electric shutoff locations, and notations of special hazards and other pertinent information. These pre-plans can be accessed on the computers located in each
Engine, Truck, Ambulance, Squad and Command vehicle. Fire Prevention Bureau personnel worked on updating the Bureau’s filing and record system. Fire Prevention Bureau personnel updated emergency contact information for commercial occupancies within the district. The Fire Prevention Bureau completed work on an update of the Fire District’s Fire Code and submitted it for review and approval. This code update will take the Fire District from the 2006
International Fire Code to the 2018 International Fire Code, with amendments.
Fire Inspector Patrick Collier retired after 21 years with the Fire District. Fire Prevention Bureau personnel attended on-line continuing education courses and seminars throughout the year. Fire Prevention Bureau personnel worked on numerous fire alarm issues throughout the district. Fire Prevention Bureau Personnel made 1014 field contacts during the 2020 pandemic. Bureau personnel conducted fire and evacuation drills with the schools in the fall of 2020. All schools, daycare centers and group homes were inspected by Bureau personnel during 2020.
Total FPB Inspections for 2020:
Annual Business and Multi-family Inspections: Re-inspections: Final occupancy inspections: Complaint investigations: School inspections: Rough inspections: Fireworks inspections: Kiosk inspections (Mall): Group Home Inspections: Fire alarm, sprinkler and Hood tests: Tent inspections:
Total:
356 310 137 35 34 38 1 15 18 58 12
1014
OFPD Fire Inspector Patrick Collier retired in 2020 after 21 years of dedicated service to the Orland Fire Protection District. We wish Patrick a healthy and happy retirement!
Fire & Life Safety Educator
Betsy Dine
The Fire & Life Safety Education Division delivers instruction throughout the District. The Educator is directly responsible for Community Risk Reduction throughout the District. Community Risk Reduction (CRR) is a process to help communities find out what their risks are and develop a plan to reduce the risks viewed as “High Priority”. Once it is viewed as High Priority, programs are coordinated and implemented to reduce that risk. Our goal is to properly follow and abide by our Department’s Community Safety Mission. The Fire and Life Safety Educator is responsible for the effective supervision and education of the different “at-risk” programs that are implemented throughout the District.
Community Risk Assessment (CRA) is an important first step in the CRR process. It is a comprehensive evaluation that identifies, prioritizes, and defines the risks that pertain to the overall community. The CRA informs the CRR plan and results in a full understanding of the community’s unique risks, capabilities, and characteristics related to the following profiles:
Demographics Geography Economics Building stock Hazards Past loss & event history Community service organizations Public safety response agencies Critical infrastructure
The Fire and Life Safety Educator develops, coordinates, presents, oversees and evaluates each program throughout the District. Our goals and objectives are established each year and include curriculums and programs to reduce the risk of injury, harm or death. The District offers numerous classes and programs to help reduce that Community Risk. The District must follow the annual budget guidelines and all programs are approved by The Chief and Board of Trustees.
Fire & Life Safety Education During Pandemic
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, schools were forced to temporarily close down last March, 2020. Eventually, schools began to open and teachers began to educate their student’s virtually/on-line and in person. Because I was not able to go into the schools to teach my fire safety programs, lesson plans were sent to each teacher so they could continue to educate their students on the importance of fire safety. With some extra time not going into schools or hosting community groups due to the pandemic, I began to help our Fire Prevention Supervisor with required fire inspections. Some of the duties of a Fire Inspector are:
Call or inspect businesses when their fire alarms are in trouble, out-of-service, have communication failures or battery Issues, etc. Inspect buildings and structures to identify potential fire hazards Ensure buildings are equipped with fire control equipment, including fire extinguishers Locate fire code violations Recommend actions to bring properties into compliance Conduct inspections onsite
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most of our programs, events and lessons were cancelled.
Public Education Events in 2020
Car Seat Checks: 45
CPR Events: Fire Drills: 3 14
Drive-By Home Parades: Public Education Safety Summit:
Station Tours: Coffee & Conversation: 87 1
1 6
School Safety Lessons:
6 Public Education Meetings: 10 Certified First Responder-Dementia Trained*: 113
(*All 113 Firefighters have been certified in Dementia Training)
Coffee & Conversation
This free program is held on the fourth Thursday of every month at the OFPD Administration Board Room. The Orland Fire Protection District and Aishling Companion Home Care were forced to cancel our in-person meetings in 2020 and resume our educational sessions virtually. We continued to provide our community with resources to assist them in their everyday lives. The sole purpose and goal of our group is to provide current education by quality providers in and about our community.
1/23/20’s Coffee & Conversation featured Speaker Joseph Smith, from Mom’s Meals. Mr. Miller spoke to our seniors about a meal program that is designed to address healthy and nutritious meals that are tailored to meet individual needs for specific health conditions, recovery and independence. Clients select what they want to eat for every meal. Meals are high-quality, nutritious refrigerated meals crafted in USDA kitchens and delivered directly to their homes.
Together, with Chief Michael Schofield, Aishling DaltonKelly, Betsy Dine, Senator Bill Cunningham and Representative Fran Hurley, obtaining a Resolution for Dementia Friendly Orland Park signifies our intent for future endeavors for a Dementia Friendly Community. Due to COVID, our resolution is still pending but we are hopeful the resolution will be adopted next spring.
Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and reasoning—and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. These functions include memory, language skills, visual perception, problem-solving, self-management, and the ability to focus and pay attention. Some people with dementia cannot control their emotions, and their personalities may change. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend entirely on others for necessary activities of living. Signs and symptoms of dementia result when once-healthy neurons (nerve cells) in the brain stop working, lose connections with other brain cells, and die. While everyone loses some neurons as they age, people with dementia experience far greater loss. While dementia is more common as people age (up to half of all people age 85 or older may have some form of dementia), IT IS NOT A NORMAL PART OF AGING. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without any signs of dementia.
L to R: Aishling Dalton Kelly, Fire Chief Mike Schofield and Fire & Life Safety Educator Betsy Dine
What is Dementia? Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired
ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission for a "Dementia Friendly Orland Park" is to raise awareness, dignity and respect, in addition to enriching the lives of those suffering and living with this disease in our community. “Orland Park: a dignified, respectful, dementia friendly, place to live.”
What Does a Dementia Friendly Community Look Like?
Dementia Friendly communities are places where people suffering with a form of dementia can live as independently as possible with value and with respect.
• Where they engage in activities that we all take for granted • Where they are supported as these daily activities become difficult • Where the changes in the person are noticed, understood, and accepted • Where shops, restaurants, and streets are evaluated through a dementia lens
Vision Statement
Our vision is to create a welcoming and stigma-free environment, in addition to offering social engagement, educational events and continuous support through collaborations with our care partners to our resident families. There are four phases for Dementia Friendly Community Planning and Implementation outlined by Dementia Friendly Illinois: 1. Convene key community leaders and members to understand dementia and its implications for our community. Then, form an Action Team. 2. Engage key leaders to assess current strengths and gaps in our community using a comprehensive engagement tool. 3. Analyzed our community needs and determined the issues stakeholders are motivated to act on; then set community goals. 4. Acted together to establish implementation plans for our goals and identified ways to measure progress. We have a full Task Force with local businesses on board. Aishling, Certified by NCCDP as a National First Responder Dementia Trainer, has trained all of our Firefighters (113) as CFR-DT’s. (Certified First Responders-Dementia Trained) We are incredibly proud of this certification and our mission for a "Dementia Friendly Orland Park" We will continue to raise awareness, dignity, and respect in addition to enriching the lives of those suffering and living with a form of dementia, in our community. Two Caregiver Support Groups are currently scheduled and coming to the Orland Fire Protection District starting January 2021! One will be held on the second Monday evening of each month for caregivers and family members caring for those with a form or dementia. The other support group will be held once monthly on Thursday afternoons. This meeting is for caregivers and their dementia loved one. If you're a family caregiver, you understand both the rewards and challenges of caregiving. Powerful Tools for Caregivers can help! You may not even think of yourself as a caregiver - you're simply helping someone you love. But when the stresses and difficulties that often come with caregiving become overwhelming, it's important to take care of yourself too. That's where Powerful Tools for Caregivers © (PTC) comes in. In just six weeks, Powerful Tools for Caregivers can help you identify and manage the physical, emotional and financial challenges that family caregiving can present and connects you with other caregivers who are facing some of the same feelings and problems you may be facing. This training will begin in February, 2021.
For more information on these or other scheduled events, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/ DementiaFriendlyOrlandParkIL http://www.orlandfire.org
Together, with our Task Force, we have designed logos that will help the residents of Orland Park, navigate restaurants, businesses and throughout the community by our logos. These logos signify that these facilities have been dementia trained and open to assist and help those suffering with a form of dementia.
The Senior Advisory Council’s mandate is to serve as a liaison between the District’s senior population and Fire District officials. The SAC also coordinates and sponsors educational programs for various groups of seniors including: homeowners’ associations, community groups and the public at large on issues that include safety tips, CPR training, Knox Boxes and 911 calls. SAC members also serve as volunteers at various Fire District events.
2021 Goals
Reinforce branding for consistency with badges and other materials Outreach to HOA’s group members using email addresses to send out safety information Support Fire Foundation activities Continue Speaking Engagements/Safety Presentations Continue with Coffee and Conversation Ride Along for SAC members Continue to interact with seniors in the community to get feedback Continue Outreach with community organizations and increase drop-off locations Continue supporting district-sponsored events when invited Continue to coordinate with Public Education and Fire Prevention
Bureau Increase participation of other OFPD staff/officials at SAC meetings Continue recruitment of members for SAC
Due to COVID-19, the Senior Advisory Council’s activities for 2020 were cut short in March, with shelter in place orders. The SAC Committee continued to have meetings via Zoom video conferencing to continue planning and prioritizing goals for when it is safe to get back out in the community.
Distribution of OFPD’s Safety Messages:
SAC has ten locations throughout the District to distribute OFPD’s safety materials to seniors and families. To date, the group has over 40 different topics such as: Winter Storm Safety Electrical Safety Generator Safety Tips 10 Winter Freeze Tips Choosing a Medical Alert System
These drop off venues include: Library Frank Loebe Center
History Museum George Browns Commons
Cultural Arts Center
Orland Hills Village Hall Sportsplex Fitness Center Orland Park Village Hall Orland Township Joining the Senior Advisory Council
The Orland Fire Protection District would like to invite you to become a member of the Senior Advisory Council.
To print an application, visit our website at: www.orlandfire.org. You will find the application on our “Senior Advisory Council” page, under the menu tab, Community Outreach. Send application to:
Orland Fire Protection District 9790 W. 151st Street Orland Park, Illinois 60462
Purpose of Senior Advisory Council The OFPD established the Senior Advisory Council (SAC) in 2009. SAC’s main purpose is to “identify and address specific needs of the senior residents of our district” with respect to health and safety. In general, advisory councils may perform the following tasks: • Studying of issues • Performing independent research • Participate in District activities • Educate seniors about health and safety issues recommended by staff and District analyzing the impact of policies on the senior population within the District • Make recommendations to the Board of Trustees based on thoughtful and unbiased discussions from a senior perspective
In Memory The Orland Fire District and the Senior Advisory Council were saddened by 2 members’ passing in 2020:
SAC Members 2020
Sheila Dragovich John R. Meister Susan Stratton Diana Husband Carolyn Newkirk Caryl R. Tietz Rosemary Ihle Raymond Mackey Janice Pierhal Mane Pritza Curt Unander Kathleen McElligott Gail Spytek
Human Resources Director
Lucy McGlynn
The Human Resources Department (HR) originates and leads Human Resources practices and objectives that will provide services and support to the employees of the Orland Fire Protection District in ways that embrace the District’s high performance culture. HR is committed to hiring, compensating, and developing the District’s workforce to ensure its ability to serve the citizens by strategically partnering with other district departments. We are dedicated to the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals whether citizen, applicant or employee by providing support, advice or guidance in an ethical, courteous and timely manner.
PIVOTING FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE
To meet the urgent needs of the District due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HR, along with all areas of OFPD, quickly pivoted to develop and implement a wide range of policies, programs, and procedures to respond to how the COVID-19 crisis was impacting work, the worker, and the workforce across the organization and the public. Here are some of the initiatives: Workstreams to React Quickly - In recognition of the scale and fast pace of work required for HR to support the District’s COVID response, cross-functional workstreams formed to prioritize urgent COVID work, assign and manage resources and timelines, and monitor progress. Through these workstreams, leadership could consider options, ask questions, suggest alternatives, and make decisions quickly and effectively. COVID Legislation and Policy Guidance - HR interpreted a large number of federal legislation and state orders to assist District leadership in addressing complicated issues that were tested during COVID. The team also developed new HR policies required to align with COVID regulations that support the worklife, health, and safety of our employees and team members.
Financial Mitigation Support - Cost-saving measures were necessary to help mitigate the negative financial impact the coronavirus pandemic had on the District. HR worked together with EMS to implement these measures with the focus on limiting as much as possible the stress and disruption for team members and employees, and providing information and resources Quick and Virtual Access to Physicians - A new service was made available to OFPD employees on the
District Health Plan called Teladoc, which offers 24/7 access to primary care physicians who can virtually diagnose health care concerns. Expanded Benefits, Leave, and HR Resources - HR provided several new paid leave types to ensure employees were financially supported during the initial stages of the coronavirus, as well as expanded benefits that removed waiting periods, covered COVID testing, and provided resources to ensure employees could continue to work effectively in a more virtual environment.
Under the leadership of the OFPD Board of Trustees, Board of Fire Commissioners, and Fire Chief Michael Schofield, the Department of Human Resources is dedicated to support our workforce of approximately 148 employees, by striving to provide programs and services designed to support the OFPD and its employees in the achievement of the District’s mission and objectives. Human Resources is responsible for the management and administration of all OFPD promotional testing exam processes for the purpose of creating promotional eligibility rosters; these include Entry-level Firefighter/ Paramedic, Engineer, Lieutenant and Battalion Chief. All promotional exam processes are administered in accordance with the requirements of all applicable Illinois State Statutes, the OFPD Board of Fire Commissioners Rules & Regulations, and the current CBA between the Orland Professional Firefighters Local 2754 and the OFPD. Promotional eligibility testing for entry-level Firefighter/Paramedic occurs every other year. Promotional eligibility testing for the rank of Engineer, Lieutenant, and Battalion Chief occur every three years as negotiated between the OFPD and the International Association of Firefighters Local 2754.
The significant impact of COVID19 on employees includes not only the many risks to physical health, but also the heavy toll on employee mental health
SWORN STAFF Administration Fire Chief
1 Deputy Chief 1 Administrative Battalion Chief 1 Operations Battalion Chief 1 Shift Battalion Chief 3 EMS Lieutenant 1 Maintenance Lieutenant 1 Training Lieutenant 1 Sworn Administrative 10
SSP Shift 1 Shift 2 Shift 3
Lieutenant 08 08 08 Engineer 09 09 09 Firefighter/ 20 20 20 Paramedic
Sworn Shift Total Sworn
111
121
2020 Staffing
NON-SWORN STAFF Administration
Human Resources Director 1
Executive Assistant 1
Administrative Assistant 1
Finance
Finance Director 1
Assistant Finance Director 1
Finance Assistant 1
IT
IT Technician 1
Fire Prevention
Fire Prevention Supervisor 1
Fire & Life Safety Educator 1
Communications/Dispatch
Communications Director 1
Dispatch Supervisor 1
Telecommunicators 12
Maintenance
Fleet Maintenance Technician 2
Building Maintenance Technician 1
Part-Time Seasonal Employees 1
Total Non-Sworn 27 Total Sworn 121 Total Employees 148
This year, Human Resources supported the following initiatives: In February, OFPD welcomed 12 new probationary Firefighter/Paramedics selected from the 2019
OFPD Commission Certified Firefighter/Paramedic Eligibility List. Candidates underwent an indepth, comprehensive pre-employment background investigation and medical review process prior to their conditional offer of employment, followed by a 10-week in-house Training Academy.
Eligibility testing for firefighter/paramedic occurs every other year. HR will continue to ensure the highest levels of integrity and fairness in all promotional testing processes for the OFPD for all concerned.
After a brief pause due to the rapid onset of Covid-19, HR was able to develop a new timeline and virtual training/meetings in order to successfully facilitate the Battalion Chief promotional testing process for all eligible sworn personnel. Eligible candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree (or greater); OSFM Fire Officer II certification or Provisional FOII. The Orland Fire Protection District is an equal opportunity employer, and a proud member of the Firefighters Diversity Recruiting
Council.
HR was also pleased to announce the successful completion of the 2020 Lieutenant Promotional Process. Departmental representatives collaborated with the testing vendor to develop and implement a process in compliance with COVID -19 safety guidelines, policies, and procedures. The testing process is conducted every three years and is comprised of multiple steps including: application and required documentation submission, written exam, oral board interview, and preference points. The final rank-ordered list of candidates will be used to fill vacancies as they occur within the District.
The past year has brought about sweeping changes in the landscape of workers compensation claims as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. First, the Illinois legislature created an entirely new statutory presumption of compensability for COVID cases. We have begun to see the influx of claims resulting from that change in the law, and it has created a challenging environment for municipal entities. HR worked with the carrier to conduct a comprehensive review of workers' compensation and liability claims, status, trends, reporting processes, and costs, for discussion with departments to develop safety training and policies in an effort to minimize occurrences. HR continues to work to improve processes through increased use of technology and automation HR worked with our benefits consultants to implement a new employee benefits portal and software to improve efficiencies, automate workflow, and improve employee on boarding and engagement with a user-friendly portal. HR worked to facilitate and conduct a comprehensive review of contract insurance requirements for appropriate risk transfer and processes for departments for outside vendor contracts and insurance review and approval to begin services/work with contracted vendors.
02/19/20 Promotional Ceremony L to R: B. Agle to Eng., E. Zielinski to Lt., D. DePersia to Lt. and S. Prohaska to Eng.
Human Resources
Our Culture
We are committed to diversity and inclusion. We stand for mutual respect and equity within our work environment where team members have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Embracing our diverse perspectives and ideas allows us to be innovative and effective in how we build the OFPD community. Together, we are better.
Promotions
January 8, 2020 —1 Lieutenant and 2 Engineers
The Orland Fire District held a promotional ceremony on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at the Administration Board Room. Fire Commissioner Glenn Kraemer administered the Lieutenant Oath of Office to Tom Panzica, and the Engineer Oath of Office to Eric Zielinski and Travis Herrin.
