[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 122 (Friday, July 19, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





     HONORING THE ORLAND FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT ON TWO MILESTONES

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 19, 2019

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Orland Fire 
Protection District as it celebrates 125 years of fighting fires and 50 
years as an organized fire district. I am privileged to recognize the 
Orland Fire Protection District on this occasion.
  The Orland Fire Protection District traces its roots back to 1894, 
the year sewn onto the flag of the early Volunteer Fire Department. 
With 14 original members, the department operated a four man, hand-
pulled pumping engine and a hose cart out of a wood-framed building on 
Beacon Avenue that doubled as the village hall.
  In 1914, Peter J. Pitts was named Fire Marshal, taking charge of the 
25-member volunteer fire department and its $100 annual budget. The 
Orland Fire Department would serve the community for 75 years in total 
until voters approved a referendum creating the Orland Fire Protection 
District in 1969. Fire Chief Arthur Granat Sr., who joined the ranks as 
a volunteer in 1946 and was elected Fire Chief in 1957, was essential 
in overseeing this transition. In honor of Chief Granat's service to 
the community, the Orland Fire Protection District Training Facility 
was named in his honor.
  While the Orland Fire Protection District traces its 125-year history 
to humble beginnings, it now operates a model, contemporary service for 
the community and its residents. Appointed in 1988, Fire Chief/
Administrator Robert M. Buhs played a large role in the Fire Protection 
District's modernization. Today, Fire Chief Michael Schofield provides 
excellent leadership and has established the Orland Fire Protection 
District as a regional leader in fire safety and training. The Fire 
Protection District also deserves recognition for its significant 
community engagement work on opioids and other issues.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the rich 
history of service that the Orland Fire Protection District has 
provided. May the selfless dedication to community of all the employees 
of the OFPD serve as an example to us all.

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