Chicago Ridge Fire Department (update)
An article in the Reporteronline delves into the ongoing challenges facing the Chicago Ridge Fire Department. According to the report, the department continues to face conflicts with village officials over pressing matters, particularly what the firefighters' union characterizes as a "staffing crisis."
Chris Schmelzer, the president of the Chicago Ridge Firefighters Union, expressed his concerns in an email sent to Trustee Bruce Quintos on December 13. Schmelzer stated that the department is dealing with numerous issues, many of which remain unresolved. One major concern is the proposed plan to operate a second fire station using existing personnel. Schmelzer argued that this approach is unsafe, as staffing a firehouse with just two individuals significantly compromises emergency response capabilities and diminishes overall service levels across the community.
In a follow-up interview, Schmelzer emphasized that communication between Fire Chief George Sheets and the firefighters has broken down entirely. He described the current working relationship as tense, noting that firefighters now operate under a cloud of potential disciplinary action. The once collaborative environment has allegedly shifted into a "dictatorship," where teamwork and mutual respect are no longer prioritized.
Meanwhile, Mayor Chuck Tokar announced that plans to reopen the Lombard Avenue fire station before Christmas have been postponed until the end of January. Despite the delay, Tokar maintained that this decision aligns with the village's best interests. The Lombard station will operate on a 12-hour schedule during peak call times, focusing primarily on responding to emergency medical service (EMS) calls.
However, union representatives voiced opposition to this strategy, arguing that it could have unintended consequences. Schmelzer pointed out that while some residents might experience slightly faster EMS response times, the trade-off would eliminate fire protection throughout the entire town during each EMS call. Under the revised plan, two ambulances would respond to every incident, leaving no personnel available to address subsequent emergencies. This shift, according to Schmelzer, represents a shortsighted approach that strains the department's limited resources.
Furthermore, Schmelzer highlighted the impact of two firefighter retirements in 2014 without replacements. These departures have placed additional pressure on the department, forcing them to maintain a four-person minimum per shift to ensure safety. Currently, only two out of three shifts meet this requirement, leading to frequent overtime assignments when members are absent.
Despite these challenges, Schmelzer urged transparency and collaboration. He acknowledged the union's perspective but stressed that his responsibility lies with representing the village's taxpayers. The union also criticized the recent acquisition of a quint, a multi-purpose fire apparatus combining a pump, water tank, hose, aerial ladder, and ground ladders. This purchase prompted the removal of older equipment, including an aerial truck and two pumpers—one severely rusted and in need of extensive repairs.
Fire Chief Sheets justified the expenditure, explaining that selling the outdated vehicles would help offset the $685,000 cost of the quint. Additionally, a $350,000 state loan could cover part of the remaining balance. However, Schmelzer questioned the wisdom of investing such a substantial sum in a vehicle that would ostensibly be manned by only two personnel under the new operational model.
In conclusion, the Chicago Ridge Fire Department finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with both internal discord and external pressures. As negotiations continue, the future of firefighting services in the community hangs in the balance, with stakeholders advocating for solutions that prioritize safety and fiscal prudence.
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