Firefighter Promoted and two new Firefighter/Paramedics Appointed to the PHFD

The Prospect Heights Fire Protection District is pleased to announce the promotion of Firefighter Jason Hardy to the rank of lieutenant and the appointment of two new firefighter/paramedics, Omar Acevedo and Mark Martinelli.

On Wednesday evening, April 28 a small group of family and friends were present as the Oath of Office was administered by Fire Chief Drew Smith to Lieutenant Hardy and Firefighter/Paramedics Acevedo and Martinelli. Also in attendance were trustees and fire commissioners of the PHFD as well as several other members of the PHFD. The brief ceremony was held in the apparatus bay area with appropriate precautions.

Lieutenant Hardy has been a member of the PHFD since 2005. Jason is involved in a number of activities. He leads our pre-incident planning program and coordinates our social media activity. He is also a member of our regional Hazardous Materials Response Team. Jason attained this promotion due to his personal preparation to qualify for promotional consideration. Lieutenant Hardy is assigned to the Gold Shift supervising a fire company of firefighter/paramedics. We look forward to his continued contributions and leadership.

Omar Acevedo and Mark Martinelli were both licensed paramedics when they applied to the PHFD. Omar was already trained as a firefighter. Mark was sent to the regional fire academy to be trained as a firefighter. Both have completed their orientation and are now assigned to shifts where they will complete their 12-month probationary process. We are happy to welcome both to the PHFD family.

“I am honored to welcome these new members to our team and to promote one of our senior members to a supervisory position” said Chief Smith. “As our team matures and grows we continue our mission of ‘Delivering exceptional services for everyone with courtesy, respect and empathy.’ I couldn’t be prouder of these individuals.”

The Prospect Heights Fire Protection District serves about 17,000 residents in the six square mile area composed of the City of Prospect Heights and adjacent unincorporated areas of Cook County. Operating from two firehouses, the an on-duty crew of seven members staffs two ambulances, two engine companies, and additional support equipment to answer approximately 2,200 calls annually.

Operating Smoke Alarms and maintained Fire Sprinklers save lives.