Archive for February, 2014

Wauconda investigates outsourcing the 9-1-1 call center (more)

The Daily Herald has an updated article on the discussions of outsourcing the Wauconda 9-1-1 Center.

For the third time in less than a year, a controversy in Wauconda is pitting concerned residents against village hall. This time it’s a proposal to close the police department’s dispatch center and outsource the service to nearby Lake Zurich.

On Tuesday, Village Administrator Doug Maxeiner will talk to the board and the community about why he thinks outsourcing is a good idea. The session is set for 7:15 p.m. at Wauconda High School.

No vote is planned after the discussion. That could come in March at the earliest.

Ahead of the meeting, we’ve tried to answer questions about the plan and its potential impact on the community.

Q. Why has outsourcing been proposed?

A. The dispatchers are represented by a labor union, and they’ve been working without a contract since April 2013. Village officials investigated outsourcing as a way to save money on the cost of dispatching.

Q. How much money will it save?

A. Maxeiner has said contracting with Lake Zurich could save $2.1 million over five years.

Q. If this is a money issue, is the village in trouble financially?

A. Not right now. But it could face deficit spending within a year or two, officials said last week.

Q. Did this idea originate with Mayor Frank Bart?

A. Bart has said the inquiries started before he took office in May 2013. At a June 4 board meeting, however, Bart said running the 911 center is too costly to be sustainable. He said eliminating the service could save $600,000 annually, the official minutes for the meeting show. They certainly were under way before Maxeiner started as village administrator in November 2013, although he acknowledged it was one of the projects he was handed upon being hired.

Q. Why was Lake Zurich chosen to provide the service?

A. In a news release, Maxeiner said Lake Zurich’s dispatchers are “highly professional” and proficient in assessing emergency situations and getting the right personnel and equipment to scenes. The center also is part of an accredited police department, he said, and the dispatchers have served as Wauconda’s backup for years.

Q. Have other towns or agencies bid for the service?

A. Village officials gathered pricing information from dispatch centers in Mundelein, Fox Lake and Round Lake, as well as a private company that offers the service, Maxeiner said Monday. He’s also personally spoken with officials from three of the agencies. “Based strictly on cost, it appears that Lake Zurich would be the preferred choice,” he told the Daily Herald.

Q. Will the Wauconda Police Department be the only agency affected?

A. No. The Wauconda Fire Protection District — an independent government agency — also uses the police department’s dispatchers for emergency calls, as do the Lakemoor and Tower Lakes police departments. All would have to find new 911 providers.

Q. What will happen to Wauconda’s current dispatchers if the village shuts down the center?

A. Ten full-time and two part-time dispatchers will be laid off.

Q. What will happen to the dispatch center and its equipment if the board approves outsourcing?

A. The village could sell the equipment, Maxeiner said. Officials also could try to reduce the cost of outsourcing by negotiating the use of the gear, he said. Or, they could keep the equipment for uses that haven’t yet been made public.

Q. Were voters promised dispatch services wouldn’t be outsourced if they approved a tax increase for the fire protection district in 2010?

A. Yes. But Bart has repeatedly criticized that referendum and the promises made to the community. Last week, when someone pointed out the pledge not to outsource was a big selling point, Bart said: “That was back in 2010. It’s a different time.”

Q. Is outsourcing a done deal?

A. No. Maxeiner’s preliminary recommendation is just that — a recommendation. It’ll be up to the six members of the village board to vote on the proposal. Bart would be asked to break a tie if the vote comes down 3-3.

thanks Dan

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New aerials for CFD (more)

This from Josh Boyajian:

here are some pictures from the spartan erv website displaying the chassis and ladder for one of the new aerials for Chicago. Needless to say…its not a tower ladder. What I’m assuming, Spartan calls a rear mount aerial a “rear mount platform.”

 

fire truck being built

Spartan photo

fire truck being built

Spartan photo

fire truck being built

Spartan photo

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Antioch renews contract with Superior

The Lake-County Sun has an article about Antioch’s decision to extend their EMS contract for another year:

Metro Paramedic Services will continue to provide emergency medical services in the village for at least another year. Village officials agreed to renew the contract with Metro to provide six paramedics and six emergency medical technicians to staff the two village-owned fire stations 24 hours daily. The 12 state-certified ambulance personnel employed by Metro are all local volunteer firefighters.

Metro has been providing both equipment and personnel since the village terminated its 72-year relationship with the not-for-profit Antioch Rescue Squad on June 1, 2013.

Metro is a contract agency that employs trained firefighters, paramedics and EMTs to many fire agencies throughout northern Illinois. “It is a cost effective alternative to municipalities hiring their own full-time employees,” said Fire Chief John Nixon. Metro also provides all applicable benefits to their employees.

The village will save about $106,000 annually by contracting for only personnel and dropping a contract for equipment. Antioch Firefighters Association last month donated an ALS (advanced life support) ambulance bringing the village’s fleet to three fully-equipped ALS ambulances. The personnel-only contract will cost the village $795,376 annually or $66,281 monthly.

Last year, the village purchased a used 2000 International Ambulance with 22,000 miles and obtained another used 2000 ambulance with funds from the state Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board. The vehicles and equipment had to pass state inspection before they could be used by the village. That step was completed Friday, said Nixon.

Even though the village is saving money by providing its own vehicles, revenue falls far short of costs, said Nixon. The average cost of an EMS call is $920. Nixon estimates the cost for 1,863 projected annual EMS calls will total $1.128 million, but estimated revenue will probably be at only 42 percent of that total for the first year or $475,000.

Nixon said about 32 percent of rescue calls are reimbursed by insurance, 33 percent are covered by Medicare and 12 percent are covered by Medicaid. The balance of patients have no insurance and in many cases, can’t pay the cost for the service. To help balance revenue with expenses, village officials also agreed to raise ambulance and life safety fees.

Nixon said the new rates are comparable to rates charged by other neighboring municipalities that do not levy a tax for EMS services. He projects the combined cost for EMS and fire services in the village will total $840,000.

The village is working with the township, served by the First Fire Protection District, to jointly provide fire and rescue services and reduce costs. The villages shares costs with the fire district for fire protection but each entity is responsible for providing its own rescue service. The township is continuing to contract with Antioch Rescue Squad for rescue calls in the township. The contract with ARS expires May 8. Because EMS is not funded through tax revenue the village and fire district are exploring the option of a tax levy to help offset ambulance service costs.

“If a tax levy were in place for EMS we could significantly lower fees,” said Nixon, explaining the higher fees adopted by the village board will help cover the costs to serve all residents, including those who can’t afford to pay.

“Right now the revenue to cover those expenses is coming from the village’s general fund, which also pays for fire, police, village and parks services.”

 

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Chicago working fire, 2-25-14

This from Dan Shevlin:

2/25/14 Chicago Working Fire.  Several outside calls reporting a fire at 4030 Adams.  2 story ordinary 25 x 75 fire in the rear.  2 lines.  No water problems but it was bitterly cold out.

smoke from building fire at night

Dan Shevlin photo

ladder truck at fire scene

Dan Shevlin photo

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Box Alarm fire in Winnetka, 2-26-14 (more)

More on last night’s house fire in Winnetka. A video from Larry Shapiro and some images from Tim Olk at the scene this morning.

ice covered fire scene aftermath

Tim Olk photo

ice on fire engine

Tim Olk photo

ice on fire engine

Tim Olk photo

fireman at fire hydrant in snow

Tim Olk photo

fire truck frozen after fire

Tim Olk photo

more images were posted to fire scenes.net

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Box Alarm fire in Winnetka, 2-26-14

This from Larry Shapiro:

The Winnetka Fire Department was called to a house with smoke coming from the attic at 924 Pine Tree Lane just after 9PM on Wednesday evening. Prior to the fire department’s arrival, police units confirmed smoke from a house at the corrected address of 910 Pine Tree Lane.

The first engine turned down the street and was completely immersed in smoke with near zero visibility. They pulled past the house and the truck was able to back up to the driveway. Heavy smoke at the scene was the updated size up at a split level house that was being renovated. Companies attempted an interior attack as fire burned through the roof at the rear of the house. Northfield Truck 29 reported seeing heavy fire as they rounded the corner two blocks away.

house fully engulfed in fire at night

Winnetka Truck 28 at work as fire consumes the entire house. Larry Shapiro photo

The interior attack was abandoned shortly thereafter as the fire spread throughout the attic space. Fortunately the interior crews spotted a hole in the first floor before it could cause injury to any firefighters.

house fully engulfed in fire at night

Fire consumes the entire house. Larry Shapiro photo

house fully engulfed in fire at night

A Winnetka firefighter at the turntable operating the master stream from Truck 28. Larry Shapiro photo

The alarm was upgraded to a Box Alarm as an elevated master stream was put into operation from Winnetka Truck 28 in addition to multiple hand lines. As the fire progressed, Northfield Truck 29 also put an elevated master stream into service. The house backed up to Tower Road, and trucks from both Glenview and Skokie setup there but did not deploy master streams. Both ladders were put over the scene to provide illumination for firefighters.

Smeal fire truck working at night fire scene

Another view from the driveway as Truck 28’s master stream works. Larry Shapiro photo

two aerial ladder trucks at night fire scene with master streams

Northfield Truck 29 and Winnetka Truck 28 working from the front of the house. Larry Shapiro photo

fire truck at night surrounded by smoke

Heavy smoke blankets the scene and Northfield Truck 29 in Sector A. Larry Shapiro photo

fireman pulls hose through snow at night house fire

A firefighter pulls hose from Tower Road to the rear of the house. Larry Shapiro photo

Companies at the scene included engines from Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook, Highwood, and Evanston. Trucks on-scene were from Winnetka, Northfield, Glenview, and Skokie. Other units included a squad from Morton Grove, an ambulance from Wilmette, the MESS Canteen, and multiple chief officers.

firefighter at night covered with ice

A firefighter covered with a light coat of ice in Sector A. Larry Shapiro photo

Pierce fire truck at fire scene

Glenview Truck 14 had two lines off from Tower Road in the rear. Larry Shapiro photo

hose lines with ice connected to fire engine at night

Three lines off Winnetka Engine 28 in front of the house. Larry Shapiro photo

A video from the scene will be posted soon.

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Fatal house fire in Oak Lawn

For the second time this month, there were multiple fatalities from an Oak Lawn house fire. MyFoxChicago.com has this report:

The South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force helped local police conduct a criminal investigation Wednesday. Three people are dead after a house fire in Oak Lawn. Police said two bodies were found in the home in the 9800 block of 51st Avenue. A source familiar with the investigation reports another man fatally shot himself in a car in the garage as firefighters responded to the call.

The source said the fire was being investigated as arson. The source also said the individual inside the car was alive with the engine running when “an alert firefighter” arrived to investigate the blaze, but then shot himself moments later.

The fire began a few minutes after 5 a.m., according to Oak Lawn police Division Chief Michael Kaufmann. The victims were not discovered until later. Kaufmann did not reveal the identities, genders or ages of the deceased.

The fire was out as of 9 a.m., though firefighters were still cleaning up hot spots as of 10 a.m. Police officers, evidence technicians and vehicles from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office were also on scene.

Detectives said there is likely more evidence inside the home, but they will have some challenges getting to it. The roof and floor of the home collapsed in the blaze. Investigators sifted through the debris late Wednesday morning, wading through a basement filled with water.

“All indications and information being provided to the Oak Lawn Police Department would seem to point to an intentional setting and criminal conduct resulting in the death of at least two individuals,” Oak Lawn village manager Larry Deetjen said.

Fire officials said they do not know the cause of the blaze as of noon on Wednesday.

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Chicago Still & Box Alarm & Level 1 Hazmat, 2-22-14 (more)

Images from Gordon J. Nord, Jr. from the gas explosion last Friday on Cullerton in Chicago.

gas explosion destroys home

Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo

gas explosion destroys home

Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo

American LaFrance tower ladder at Chicago fire scene

Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo

gas explosion destroys home

Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo

fire hydrant spraying water covered with ice

Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo

American LaFrance tower ladder at Chicago fire scene

Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo

fireman rolling hose

Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo

Chicago FD Spartan Engien 23

Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo

Chicago FD Spartan Engien 23

Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo

Chicago fierfighters i tower ladder basket

Gordon J. Nord, Jr. photo

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New squad for Westchester (more)

The new squad for Westchester is ready for delivery. Images were posted on the Fire Service, Inc. Facebook page.

E-ONE heavy rescue squad

Fire Service Inc photo

E-ONE heavy rescue squad

Fire Service Inc photo

E-ONE heavy rescue squad

Fire Service Inc photo

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Streamwood receives SAFER Grant – reopens shuttered firehouse

The Daily Herald has an article about the Streamwood Fire Department reopening a fire station after being closed for four years.

Nearly four years after what some residents saw as the sudden closing of a Streamwood firehouse, officials have quietly reopened the station thanks to a grant that put more firefighters on the job. The Park Boulevard station began operating again this week. At least three firefighter-paramedics are now assigned there for each 24-hour shift.

Fire Chief Chris Clark said Friday he expects the reopening to reduce the time it takes for crews to respond to emergencies, especially along Lake Street where industrial developments have popped up on what was vacant land in recent years. Facilities like a 24-hour food processing plant have contributed to a rise in calls for service on the village’s south side, Clark said.

In December 2012, Streamwood won a $627,000 federal grant to hire three firefighters. Only one other department in the state received the funding administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The grant enabled the department to bring its ranks up to 50 firefighting personnel. With the grant, provided by the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program, the department can now run three-person crews in all of the stations.

Streamwood weathered the economic slump by reducing the force to 47 firefighting positions through attrition. The department also eliminated the position of a full-time fire inspector who retired and reassigned those duties to other staffers. And in April 2010, the department shuttered the Park Boulevard station, sparking a protest and fears of an increase in response times. But officials defended the move, arguing that the closing improved operations.

Matt Dobson, who spearheaded the public outcry, wanted more of a heads-up to neighborhoods affected by the change. Village officials, though, say they reviewed the closing in a budget meeting. Dobson learned the station had reopened only when he drove by and saw the American flag flying outside the entrance. Up until Monday, the department used the station for training and storage of equipment.

Streamwood must keep the three firefighter-paramedics on the job for two years. With a rebounding local economy, the chief expects the department to retain them even longer.“We are very confident that we will be able to maintain those positions through our current revenue streams,” he said.

thanks Dan 

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