Three Park Forest teens aspiring to careers in the fire service are the recipients of a new Rich East High School Fire and EMS Scholarship.
Marshon Baines, David Palmer, and Kyle Young will each receive a share of $1,700 raised last year as part of a fundraiser put on by Park Forest Firefighters IAFF Local 1263. The three recipients were recognized earlier this month during a check presentation at Village Hall.
A Halloween themed trivia night helped bring in dollars to fund the scholarship. The dollars will go toward tuition and books at Prairie State College where the teens will learn more about the fire service.
The new Park Forest Fire Department Fire and EMS Scholarship aims to help “grow things as far as the future of the fire department,” said Park Forest Village Manager Tom Mick. Local high school students interested in learning more about the fire service may apply to participate in an internship sponsored by the Park Forest Fire Department in conjunction with Park Forest Firefighters IAFF Local 1263. The sponsoring organizations further assist the teens in helping pay for their training through fundraising efforts.
Park Forest Fire Chief Tracy Natyshok developed the internship opportunity last year to encourage more Park Forest residents to consider serving their community in the fire service. Though Mick says the program is still “in its infancy stage,” efforts are continuing to raise funds for the next scholarship recipients with a second Halloween themed trivia night planned for Oct. 26 beginning at 6 p.m. at Dining on the Green, 349 Main Street, in Park Forest.
Teams of up five people can register to participate in the trivia night for $120. A 50/50 split the pot, raffles, and a costume contest will also be held as part of the night’s offerings.
Those interested in participating in the trivia night on Oct. 26 should contact Taylor at 815-210-2966. Sponsors and donations also needed.
Park Forest Fire Department now hiring
The Park Forest Fire Department is continuing its push to recruit new firefighter paramedics. The application deadline is Oct. 10. Applications are available at Park Forest’s Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. More information can be found at villageofparkforest.com/firecareers
Park Forest Fire Department celebrates Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6 – 12
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape: Plan and Practice Your Escape!,” aims to educate residents on the small but important actions you can take to remain safe in the event of a fire. The Park Forest Fire Department's annual Fire Prevention Week activities include the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service followed by the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Parade on Thursday, Oct. 10. An open house at the Fire Station will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12.