Vote: Orland Park Patch’s Person of the Year

An outspoken community member, firefighters, local government officials and an area business owner are the choices you, the readers picked. Read below for a short description of the people nominated, with words provided by the people who suggested them, and then vote in the poll.

Want to state your case to other readers? Then talk up your favorite in the comments. Voting ends at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29.

Jean Corridon, Orland Park resident

Corridon was nominated for speaking her mind at a November Orland School District 135 meeting, speaking against the demotion of .

Brad O’Halloran, Orland Park Village Trustee

O’Halloran was added to the list for being the one “no” vote on the financing plan for the Ninety 7 Fifty on the Park apartment complex, to be .

Bryant Krizik, former Orland Fire Chief

Krizik was chosen for his years of service on the .

Glen Horton, local business owner

was picked for his efforts to keep the local economy moving forward and providing jobs in town. His nominee wrote, “these people make the country work.”

Mike Schofield, Orland Fire Battalion Chief and Homer Glen Fire Chief

Chief Schofield was described by his nominator as “an outstanding role model professionally and personally.” A father of six, he shares his real life experiences in his program "," educating local youth about the real life dangers and consequences of their actions. His deceased mother Margaret was a Trustee for Orland Fire. Michael and his sisters created a foundation in Margaret Schofield’s memory that contributes generously to the Northern Alliance of Fire Protection District’s educational fund for fire district trustees. Under his guidance, his children are/were stand out athletes at , where his sister and brother-in-law are popular teachers and coach the Sandburg Swim Team.

Paul O’Grady, Orland Township Supervisor

O’Grady received a nod for bringing about “a tremendous amount of change to the community,” according to his nominee. He oversees the General Assistance program that provides immediate monthly assistance to residents who are lacking income or resources to provide for their basic needs. He has hosted four job fairs since 2010, attended by about 1,000 job seekers. He helped establish the unique Pet Pantry, providing food and pet supplies to eligible recipients in need of a hand to care for their pets, as well as the subsequent PetPalooza event held to support the pantry. Under his direction have been held to dispose of electronic waste in a safe manner. So far, 228 tons of electronics have been recycled.