Federal Judge Tosses Major Claim in Lawsuit Against Orland Fire District

A Federal Judge granted partial summary judgment last week in favor of the Orland Fire Protection District in a lawsuit involving claims brought by a private alarm monitoring company.

The lawsuit was filed under the Illinois Fire Protection District Act in the US District Court for the northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division.

The District was represented by James J. Roche & Associates who said the judge’s decision not only benefits the fire district in implementing public safety practices, but also will avoid a costly trial that would have burdened the district’s taxpayers.

“This opinion marks a giant leap towards a successful disposition of the case, which could save the taxpayers of Orland Fire Protection District millions of dollars,” said Christopher Evoy, President of the Orland Fire Protection District Board.

“This decision ensures that the absolute best protection for the fire and ambulance services located in Orland Park and Orland Hills will continue.”

The Orland Fire Protection District was sued under the Illinois Fire Protection District Act for its contractual relationship with another private alarm monitoring company in competition with the plaintiff, Roche explained.

Orland Fire Protection District vigorously defended itself against the allegations made by this corporation, and stands strong in the legality of its actions to protect the citizens living within the bounds of the District, Roche said.

Though several claims remain pending in front of the District Court, summary judgment by Federal Judge Thomas M. Durkin in favor of Orland Fire Protection District on the basis that there is no private right of action under the Illinois Fire Protection District Act.

Evoy said he believes the judge’s ruling reinforces the belief that the district will prevail over remaining issues in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit was filed by Alarm Detection Systems, Inc. Defendants also included Tyco Integrated Security, LLC, and DuPage Public Safety Communications.

—The above information was submitted by the Orland Fire Protection District