Firefighters, paramedics, police, teachers, are very dedicated and admired professionals. Those who have a calling and go into the "helping fields" like nurses and most doctors social workers etc... are people of valor that go far beyond good work ethics. Some of our residents and board members are focused on money and being cheap on services. They don't understand the safety and compassion. Like the current OPFD voting to de fund flu shots for firefighters and paramedics, they don't understand how it can hurt our community and actually cause death to residents. Paul Cervenka who is vocal at every OPFD mtg complains of spending so he can pay less taxes:
Orland Park resident Paul Cervenka complained about the district’s scuba team’s request for Sonar equipment . “Are you kidding me?” he said. “Quit funding this Scuba (stuff)

Mark – Please keep in mind how valuable these fireman and paramedics are to the community before casting a negative tone to a great article and example of bravery. I’d like to share that just last month the Orland Park Fire Department responded to a call at Silver Lake CC. where a friend of mine suddenly stopped breathing and his heart stopped beating. We thought we lost him, but these brave men responded swiftly to the call, sprung into action and revived him. Later that evening in the emergency room, the ER doctor said if it wasn’t for the quick response of the Orland Park Fire Department – paramedics, my otherwise healthy 39 yr old friend would have died. My friend is also a fireman-paramedic himself, so they not only saved his life, but also the lives my friend will now be able to save in the future as he returns to his own firehouse. Mark, maybe the Orland Park Fire or Police Department hasn’t been needed to save you or a family member from harms way, but I think you should acknowledge that these brave men and woman risk their own safety to protect yours!