Fundraising campaign started for Buffalo Grove High security guard injured while protecting students

Funds are being raised to support a Buffalo Grove High School security guard who suffered a traumatic brain injury while protecting students during dismissal Tuesday afternoon.

Buffalo Grove resident Orlando Rivas was trying to shield students he was helping cross the street from a falling pole. The pole had been struck by a vehicle that left the road while trying to exit the school parking lot onto Dundee Road. The pole struck him instead, leaving him with a life-threatening injury.

Buffalo Grove High School Principal Jeff Wardle announced a GoFundMe page has been created in partnership with Longfellow Elementary School to benefit Rivas his wife Erin and their family, which includes four children.

Michelle Bolano, a family friend who is the organizer of the GoFundMe effort, said Rivas remains in critical condition at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.

“We’re praying,” she said. “He’s a pillar in the community. Everyone knows him. Everyone loves him. He always took care of other people.”

Chicago White Sox broadcaster Len Kasper also mentioned Rivas during the radio broadcast of Wednesday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He said Rivas is the son of longtime White Sox chef Roy Rivas.

Buffalo Grove police have been investigating the crash with the assistance from the Major Crash Assistance Team. Police said the driver of the vehicle is cooperating.

The high school is making support available to students in the days ahead.

“Our entire Buffalo Grove High School community is holding him and his family close during an incredibly difficult time,” Wardle wrote to families.