An article published in Reporteronline delves into the ongoing tensions between the Chicago Ridge Fire Department and local village officials, highlighting several pressing issues that have sparked debate within the community.
According to the article, the Chicago Ridge Fire Department is currently embroiled in disputes with village authorities over critical matters such as what the firefighters' union characterizes as a "staffing crisis." Chris Schmelzer, the president of the Chicago Ridge Firefighter’s Union, expressed deep concerns in a December 13 email to Trustee Bruce Quintos, stating, "We are currently dealing with more issues than I care to count." He emphasized that one of the primary concerns is the proposal to staff a second fire station using existing personnel, a plan he described as "outlandishly unsafe." Schmelzer argued that maintaining a firehouse with only two personnel not only jeopardizes public safety but also diminishes overall service levels across the entire town.
In a separate interview, Schmelzer elaborated on the strained relationship between the Fire Chief George Sheets and the firefighters. He noted, "There is no communication. We're coexisting, but it feels like we're working under constant threats of disciplinary action." Schmelzer described the once-thriving camaraderie among firefighters as having devolved into what he termed a "dictatorship."
Meanwhile, Mayor Chuck Tokar announced that plans to reopen the Lombard Avenue fire station by Christmas had been postponed until the end of January. Despite this delay, Tokar maintained that the decision was strategic and beneficial. The station will operate on a 12-hour shift schedule during peak call times, addressing the village's busiest periods. Tokar justified the decision by pointing out that the Lombard station is strategically located closer to residential areas than the current industrial park station. Additionally, Tokar highlighted that utilizing the Lombard station for ambulance services would reduce reliance on neighboring communities for emergency responses, which often incur additional costs for residents.
However, union representatives voiced concerns about potential downsides to this strategy. Schmelzer countered that while some residents might experience a temporary reduction in response times for ambulance services, the new plan effectively eliminates fire protection entirely during ambulance calls. Under the proposed plan, two ambulances would respond to each call, leaving no personnel available for subsequent fire emergencies. Schmelzer warned that concentrating limited resources solely on ambulance responses could compromise the broader safety needs of the community.
Schmelzer further criticized the lack of replacements for two firefighters who retired in 2014, which has placed significant pressure on the department. He explained that the fire department operates with a minimum of four personnel per shift, as anything less would violate safety standards, past practices, and common sense. Currently, only two out of the three shifts meet this requirement, leading to frequent overtime when members are absent. Schmelzer also mentioned that nearly all department members have over ten years of seniority, accruing significant leave time, resulting in frequent absences and additional overtime costs.
Despite these challenges, Schmelzer urged residents not to rely solely on hearsay. He emphasized that union input and cooperation are essential in making decisions affecting the fire department. Tokar, however, clarified his stance, stating, "I understand the union’s position, but my responsibility lies with the taxpayers of Chicago Ridge."
Another point of contention arose from the village's recent acquisition of a quint, a multi-purpose fire apparatus combining a pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial device, and ground ladders. Sheets explained that the purchase necessitated the removal of an older aerial truck and two pumper trucks from the fleet. One of these vehicles is severely rusted and requires costly repairs. These vehicles will be sold, with proceeds aiding in financing the new quint, which is expected to cost $685,000. The village anticipates receiving approximately $250,000 from the sale of the removed vehicles, with a potential $350,000 state loan covering much of the remaining balance.
Schmelzer expressed skepticism about the financial prudence of the expenditure, arguing that spending nearly three-quarters of a million dollars on equipment that will likely be staffed with only two personnel represents an inefficient allocation of resources.
This ongoing dialogue underscores the complex interplay between operational priorities, budgetary constraints, and community safety in Chicago Ridge. As these discussions continue, residents remain keenly aware of the delicate balance required to ensure both fiscal responsibility and public protection.
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