The Park Forest Fire Department promoted Michelle Paradise to Lieutenant, making her the first female lieutenant in the department.
Lieutenant Paradise was one of three firefighters sworn in and promoted during Monday night's Board meeting. Her firefighter career dates back to 2004, when she was a Richton Park Fire Department cadet as a Rich South High School sophomore. Three years later, she was certified as a firefighter II.
In 2013 Paradise joined the Park Forest Fire Department. Over the years, she has completed an associate degree in fire science and has been recognized for her accomplishments and awards since joining the department.
Park Forest Fire Chief Tracy Natyshok hugged Lt. Paradise after being sworn in at the Board meeting and said she deserved this promotion.
"Being the first to do anything comes with a certain amount of pressure to succeed," said Chief Natyshok. "With that said, I am confident that Lt. Paradise will not only be successful, she will make us a better fire department."
In addition to Lt. Paradise's promotion, Taylor Bordewyk was promoted to shift commander. Bordewyk began his fire service career in 2006 after working in the automotive industry and serving as a mechanic in the United State Army. He joined the Park Forest Fire Department in 2007 and has served in various positions, including the hazmat team and fire investigations.
Mark Cotrano was recognized at the Board Meeting as he was promoted to deputy fire chief. He's been in the fire service since 2003 and joined the Park Forest Fire Department in 2007. He worked his way up through the ranks and was promoted to lieutenant in 2016 and five years later became shift commander in 2021.