Celebrate 100 Years of Firefighters and Police History with OLPL! (Oak Lawn, IL) – Monday, April 21, 2025—Oak Lawn Pubic Library will launch its new Local History exhibit “First Responders of Oak Lawn: Celebrating 100 Years of Firefighters & Police History” on Wednesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. with an opening reception on the Library’s second floor.
“First Responders of Oak Lawn” sets out to tell the story of the Oak Lawn Police and Fire Departments, highlighting a few long-term chiefs from both forces and the teamwork between the two that keeps the village safe.
Local History Librarian Thomas Javorcic noted the greatest challenge in putting the exhibit together was finding a new and creative way to present a century of history. He created large visual timelines of both departments utilizing oversized panels, and also added color to black & white photographs to create interest and drama.
Javorcic is excited to share the story, and enjoyed driving out to interview family members of former officers. He also enjoyed the opportunity to tour both Fire Station Number One (the John P. McCastland Station) and the police squad room with Mayor Terry Vorderer. These interviews and connections helped Javorcic present the history from a more personal perspective.
Javorcic is grateful to the people who gave their time to aid his research. He noted, “These are folks who love this community and the energy of that makes me happy to display their history.”
The exhibit is full of historical photos, uniforms and documents. Additional items of note, including a 1920s fire horn and an antique copper fire extinguisher, come together to bring the story to life.
When asked what he hopes patrons take away from the exhibit, Javorcic reflected, “That these are very dedicated men and women who risk their lives for public safety.”
“First Responders of Oak Lawn: Celebrating 100 Years of Firefighters & Police History” will launch with an opening reception on Wednesday, April 23. The event will include a presentation by Javorcic, time for patron questions and light refreshments. The exhibit will remain on display through 2025. Guided tours of the exhibit are currently being planned for OLPL’s summer programming season.
Local History buffs who can’t wait for the exhibit can enjoy a preview display on the first floor. Those who wish to further explore Oak Lawn’s past can browse the Library’s virtual artifact collections with the “Local History” selection under the “Research” tab on OLPL’s website.
Celebrate 100 Years of Firefighters and Police History with OLPL!
