Orland Volunteer Fire Department

Chief’s Message

Pictured left to right are retired Chiefs Charles “Chuck” Harris, Jr., Vernon Dado, Jack Bucke, Glenn Tibessart, Gerald “Bill” Salvagno, V.C. Williams, Jerry Kraemer, Rick Nunes and Jeff Gomes

The Orland Volunteer Fire Department was formed back in 1911 after much of the downtown section burned in a devastating fire. Since that time, there have been hundreds of citizens who have stepped up to be volunteer firefighters and who have risked their lives to protect the citizens of Orland and the surrounding communities. Each has dedicated countless hours away from family and friends to be a firefighter. The thing that makes volunteers unique is that what they do is not their regular job. Most of what is done as a volunteer firefighter is on top of a regular job.

Why do volunteer firefighters do what they do? Most of them will tell you that it is a way to give back to a community that has given so much to them. If we did not have the community support that the Orland Volunteer Fire Department has received over the past 100 years, we would not be here today celebrating 100 years. To me, that says a lot about the great community we live in.

I would like to personally thank the Orland Community and the surrounding areas for the support given the Orland Volunteer Fire Department over the past 100 years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the past and present members and their families for all of their hard work and dedication to the Department. For some, firefighting is a family legacy and if you look at the list of names on the department’s 100-year roster, you will see generations of family members.

Thank you for your continued support of our Department — we look forward to serving you in the years to come!

Jeff Gomes
Chief