Orderville Fire Department opens its doors; highlights EMS services and future clinic plans

ORDERVILLE — The Orderville Fire Depart­ment opened its doors to the public Saturday, May 2, offering a hands-on look at local emergency services and a chance for residents to learn more about fire safety and disaster pre­paredness.

Left to right, photos courtesy of Orderville Fire Department:

• Kane County EMS Director Ben Armstrong stands between an Orderville fire engine and Kane County ambulance inside the Orderville Fire Station during the department’s May 2 open house, where residents were invited to learn about local emergency services and preparedness.

• Orderville Fire Chief Earl Levanger, left, and Fire Prevention Education Officer Ursula Bullen display Firewise and preparedness materials during the department’s May 2 open house, where residents received information on wildfire safety and emergency planning.

The two-hour open house, held from 4 to 6 p.m., drew families from across Long Valley.

Firefighters and staff welcomed visitors inside the station, where they shared information on home fire prevention, emergency planning and what to expect when first responders arrive on scene. Tables with free preparedness materials were avail­able, and younger attendees had the chance to take part in games and activi­ties designed to teach basic safety skills.

Kane County EMS personnel, who are stationed daily at the Orderville Fire Station to improve emergency response times in the area, were also on hand. Visitors were invited to tour an ambulance and speak directly with EMTs about the equipment they use and the types of calls they respond to throughout the region.

The EMS program serv­ing Long Valley is funded through a partnership between Kane County Hospital and local tourism tax revenues, a structure aimed at maintaining re­liable coverage in a rural area where distance can be a critical factor in emer­gency care.

Looking ahead, local leaders are exploring the possibility of ex­panding healthcare access in the valley. A proposal is cur­rently under consid­eration to establish a standalone clinic in Orderville, to be oper­ated by Kane County Hospital. Funding for the project has been requested through Community Project Funding with support from Congresswoman Celeste Maloy’s office. A decision on that request is expected in the coming months.

For many who at­tended the event of­fered not just a behind-the-scenes look at emergency services, but a reminder of the role local responders play in keeping small communities prepared and connected.