Earlier this year, Park Forest native Elisabeth "Bess" Vlahakis was promoted to lieutenant, making her the second female lieutenant in the history of the Park Forest Fire Department.

Even before her promotion, Deputy Fire Chief Mark Cotrano noted that Vlahakis had been a trailblazer in the department since she joined in September 2016. 

"Every fire department has standout individuals who quietly shape the future of emergency services through hard work, innovation, and dedication," Cotrano said. "For our department, Bess is one of those exceptional people. Her impact on our EMS operations has been nothing short of transformative, making her a key player in our continued progress and readiness."

In addition to her role as lieutenant, Vlahakis also serves as the EMS coordinator. Cotrano explained that although she has held this official title for about two years, her influence has been felt much longer. Vlahakis has laid the groundwork for much of the department's current EMS programming by working off-shift hours, using spare time during her regular shifts, and putting in countless hours behind the scenes.

"Her commitment to building a stronger, more knowledgeable EMS team is evident—and it’s paying off," Cotrano said. "One of Bess's major accomplishments has been the development of a structured and ongoing paramedic continuing education program. This monthly training series, typically held during the fourth week of the month, focuses on challenging topics often overlooked in traditional EMS training."

Cotrano explained that the trainings typically cover low-frequency, high-risk events requiring sharp clinical judgment and preparedness. Vlahakis ensures the training remains current by inviting specialists and experts from various fields. For instance, the upcoming June training session will feature a legal expert leading a discussion on narrative report writing. Cotrano highlighted that accurate and comprehensive documentation is critical for quality EMS care and can have significant implications for legal and medical outcomes. By addressing this vital yet often neglected skill, Vlahakis demonstrates her ability to identify critical needs and tackle them head-on.

Vlahakis's sessions extend beyond the Park Forest Fire Department. What began as a department-focused initiative has evolved into an area-wide training platform, inviting participation from fire departments in surrounding communities. Cotrano noted that this regional collaboration reflects the longstanding practices of Park Forest in fire services and has enhanced the EMS training reputation of the fire department across the area.  Many of the departments that participate in the monthly EMS trainings are those that would be called upon to assist Park Forest during times of a high volume of calls or a larger-scale incident.  

Additionally, Vlahakis oversees the department’s CPR certification and recertification program, held every other month and available to both department personnel and the general public. The sessions are listed on the Village's website.

"Bess manages the entire process—from maintaining a qualified instructor pool to ensuring seamless scheduling and delivery," Cotrano stated. "She is also responsible for overseeing the village's inventory of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Two years ago, thanks in part to a grant from ComEd, Bess spearheaded the effort to upgrade our entire AED platform."

Cotrano explained that the new system includes enhanced monitoring capabilities, such as real-time usage alerts when a shock is delivered. This technology upgrade not only improves patient outcomes but also keeps the department at the cutting edge of lifesaving tools.

Cotrano expressed his gratitude for Vlahakis's contributions to the Park Forest Fire Department. 

"What makes Bess invaluable isn’t just her work ethic—she is well-known for her tireless energy and determination," Cotrano said. "It’s also her vision—her ability to see where the EMS program currently stands and where it needs to be in one, five, or ten years. She's forward-thinking and continues to leave a lasting impact on the department."