Orland Fire District to Host Firefighters' Rodeo
Annual Contest Promotes Firefighter Safety Among Ranks and the Public


CONTACT:  DC Bryant Krizik
                   708-349-0074
EFFECTIVE: 08/01/07
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: DAY OF EVENT

ORLAND PARK, ILLINOIS—Maneuvering through traffic on busy roads can be aggravating for drivers. Controlling a 40-foot vehicle weighing as much as 70,000 pounds while weaving through traffic challenges fire apparatus engineers every day.

The Orland Fire Protection District will host the inaugural Fire Apparatus Operator Rodeo on Saturday, August 25th from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the parking lot east of the vacant Orland Square Theatres at 151^st Street and 94^th Avenue in Orland Park,

Two-time Driver's Challenge champion Orland Fire Engineer Dan Turner is organizing this year's contest. Turner, a thirteen year veteran of the Orland Fire District, took top honors at the 2004 and 2005 contests hosted by Emergency Service Insurance Program in Rantoul.

"We've invited all fire service and EMS agencies to compete in this year's rodeo hosted by the Orland Fire District," Turner said, adding that all MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) fire departments in Illinois have been invited to participate.

"Along with being an exciting competition, this event stresses the importance of driver safety when traveling to an emergency," said Orland Fire Deputy Chief Bryant Krizik,

Drivers will follow a course designed to simulate conditions encountered in the course of their fire service or ambulance job. To compete, drivers must be active members of a fire or EMS agency; hold a valid driver's license; and be qualified emergency apparatus drivers within their organization.

In 2004, the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration took the unprecedented step of establishing sixteen objectives for reducing the firefighter fatality rate by 25% within five years and by 50% within ten years. Since vehicle accidents account for approximately 25% of the annual firefighter fatalities, it is imperative to address driving issues. 

"Firefighters are more likely to die traveling to or from a fire than fighting one," Krizik said. "Motor vehicles pose a greater hazard than flames, according to the National Fire Protection Association,"he added.

"In 2005, 106 firefighters died in the line of duty in the United States and 26 of these deaths occurred in emergency vehicle-related accidents," Turner noted.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 33 firefighters died in 23 vehicle crashes in 2003. This is the highest number of crash deaths reported in a single year in the 27 years NFPA has been conducting its study. Twenty-four of the 33 firefighters killed in collisions or rollovers were responding to or returning from incidents when the crashes occurred.

Driving course specifications follow National Fire Protection Association Standard on Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications.

Trophies are awarded to the top five drivers in both fire and ambulance categories. In addition, a three-member team from the same fire department can win the traveling trophy for the lowest total time in the fire engine category.

"This is a great opportunity for the public to see the skill it takes to drive an emergency vehicle," Turner said. This is the second time that the Orland Fire Protection District has hosted an FAO Rodeo.

"The public is invited to come out to watch the competition," Turner said, adding that other activities will be fun for the rest of the family. The day includes a disc jockey, water ball for the kids, a jump for the kids and concessions available for purchase. Bank Financial, adjacent to the competition site, will be hosting their Safety Days concurrent with the rodeo.

Area businesses are invited to join the list of corporate sponsors making this event possible. Donations will be recognized with regular announcements throughout the day.

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