The Village of Park Forest's board meeting at Village Hall on Monday night was filled to capacity. During an oath of office ceremony, the organization introduced two new police officers and a firefighter/paramedic and recognized the promotion of two firefighters/paramedics.

Officers Tashianna Holt and Andrew Schwartz are the newest members of the Park Forest Police Department. Holt, a Chicago native, graduated from Kennedy King College with an associate's degree in criminal justice. She continued her education at Chicago State University and earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice. 

A mother of three who enjoys basketball and football, Holt loves spending time with her family and watching sports. Before joining the Park Forest Police Department, she worked as an officer for two years with the Cary Police Department.

As mentioned, Schwartz also joined the Park Forest Police Department. He's a Frankfort native who attended Providence Catholic High School before receiving a bachelor of science in history and social sciences teaching from Illinois State University. 

Schwartz's background includes teaching in several school districts and working in various middle schools. He transitioned into law enforcement, with over 13 years of experience. Schwartz is a certified traffic crash reconstructionist through Northwestern University and has led the investigation of over 500 automobile crashes, including nearly 100 serious personal injury or fatal crashes. When he's not protecting and serving, he's an avid golfer who loves spending time with his family and friends.

The Park Forest Fire Department welcomed Edward Bush to the organization and promoted James Baum and Tyler Triemstra. Bush comes to the department from the Richton Park Fire Department. However, his journey started when he was a manager at Culver's. There, he learned how much he enjoyed helping others and grew interested in the fire service.

Bush began his career in the fire service with the Phoenix (IL) Fire Department through an in-house program. He earned his basic certification as a firefighter. He then went on to EMT school, which allowed him to help people while working at Elite Ambulance Service for the next three years. Bush completed paramedic school in August 2022 and secured a job with Bud's Ambulance Service to continue improving and perfecting his skills. 

Triemstra, a native of Beecher, Illinois, graduated from Beecher High School and joined the fire department in his hometown in 2008. He also worked with the New Lenox Fire District before being hired full-time as a firefighter/paramedic with the Park Forest Fire Department in 2011. He doubles as the Park Forest Firefighters' Pension Board president and serves the department's union board. His hard work has promoted him to shift commander/paramedic.

Baum also joined the Park Forest Fire Department in 2011. He's been in the area for several years and worked in several local fire departments before joining the PFFD. He's obtained 28 state fire marshal certifications, including peer fitness instructor, watercraft technician, fire inspector, and fire investigator. Baum is also an instructor for the Prairie State College Fire Academy and an active Combined Agency Response Team member.

Click the photo gallery below to see pictures from Monday's board meeting.