Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
Earlier this year, Elisabeth "Bess" Vlahakis was promoted to lieutenant in the Park Forest Fire Department, becoming the second female to hold this position in the department's history. Vlahakis has been recognized for her transformative impact on emergency medical services (EMS) since joining the department in September 2016.
Deputy Fire Chief Mark Cotrano described Vlahakis as a trailblazer who has quietly shaped the future of emergency services through her dedication and innovation. "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."
In addition to her role as lieutenant, Vlahakis serves as the EMS coordinator. Although she officially took on this title two years ago, her influence began much earlier. She has developed a structured paramedic continuing education program that addresses challenging topics often overlooked in traditional EMS training. These sessions are held monthly and cover low-frequency, high-risk events requiring sharp clinical judgment.
Cotrano noted that Vlahakis ensures these trainings remain current by inviting specialists from various fields. An upcoming session will feature a legal expert discussing narrative report writing, emphasizing its importance for quality EMS care and legal outcomes.
The training sessions have expanded beyond Park Forest to include participation from surrounding communities' fire departments. This regional collaboration reflects Park Forest's longstanding practices and enhances its reputation for EMS training.
Vlahakis also oversees CPR certification programs available to both department personnel and the public every other month. She manages everything from maintaining an instructor pool to scheduling and delivery. Additionally, she oversees the village's inventory of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Two years ago, with support from a ComEd grant, she led an effort to upgrade the AED platform with enhanced monitoring capabilities.
Cotrano expressed gratitude for Vlahakis's contributions: "What makes Bess invaluable isn’t just her work ethic—she is well-known for her tireless energy and determination," he 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."
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