The Lincolnwood Review has an article about the Lincolnwood firefighters voting to unionize:
As the only fire department in Illinois managed by a private company, Lincolnwood’s Fire Department is also rare in that it has never been part of a union — up until now. After 24 years of being under private oversight, the Lincolnwood Fire Department today is still run by a private company that hires, fires, provides pensions and pay for the department’s 28 firefighters and paramedics.
But the fire department’s union-free days will soon be over, after Lincolnwood emergency personnel this week voted in favor of joining a union for the first time in the department’s history. A bargaining unit of 23 firefighters who voted on the decision Feb. 11 pushed the measure through with 15 supporting votes and eight opposed.
Lincolnwood emergency personnel will now begin negotiating a contract with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 5000. The Wilmette Fire Department is part of the same union.
The Village of Lincolnwood’s police and public works departments are unionized, as are most public sector police, fire and sanitation departments across the country …
The Village, which has been engaged in an ongoing contract with Paramedic Services of Illinois (PSI) since 1990 to handle all Fire Department-related personnel matters—won’t be affected by the unionization because it doesn’t handle pay, pensions and insurance. “Contracting with PSI is a more cost-effective means to provide these services, versus what most of our surrounding communities are paying for them,” Village Manager Tim Wiberg said during a Village Board meeting last year.
thanks Dan
#1 by Jim on August 3, 2014 - 12:33 PM
Any word as to where the process stands?
#2 by Finchy Focker on March 22, 2014 - 8:37 PM
As a veteran of the Lincolnwood “Fire” Dept, I must say I’m surprised they actually voted in favor of the Union. I never thought I would see the day that the men there would have any kind of protections or rights afforded to them. I was hired after Drew’s tenure, but he was still fresh in the minds of my officers and men and was always spoken highly of.
When Mike Hansen and J.J. interviewed me, I made it perfectly clear that if presented with the opportunity, I would pursue the city unless LFD and PSI could match what the city had. They laughed, and still took the chance on me, and for that……I am grateful. One thing that was evident from the beginning was because of my career aspirations that I was given no opportunities to further my training, unlike other employee’s, regardless of length of employment.
One of my coworkers at the time who later became my best friend, had similar aspirations, and was treated the same. Even funnier was an officer ended up leaving LFD at the same time as me and was in my class at FAS. I had suspicions of his aspirations, and they were confirmed while training for the CFD psychical agility……..(I caught him using the “steps” we built and carrying the two dummy QRBs we had put together. I kept that little secret out of respect for him, as he was a great teacher and mentor. I could not believe how he was treated in the end.
If you were not in a certain LT’s clic, you got nothing. Nothing in that right was fair. Any experience you had meant nothing, whether it be fire or EMS. Coming in to the LFD with quite a bit of fire experience from the south suburbs, and even more EMS was worthless in the eyes of a LT who had read all the books about putting out fires, watched all the videos and monday morning QB’d them, but had seen almost no fire on his own. Funniest was how he showed a video of a fire I was actually at and told us all about what went wrong, what we did wrong and why all those dumb-ass firemen are idiots and worthless. I never felt safe with that man, but if you werent one of his boys, you got nothing.
As I end my rant, i get to my point. I hope that this makes things a little more fair for the men. Less clic, more fairness and equality.
#3 by 0.02 on March 22, 2014 - 7:45 AM
Tony Gotti, how does chief Hansen taste? I hope you didn’t choke on him while writing this.
#4 by Tony Gotti on March 21, 2014 - 11:02 PM
This is the most useless thread I’ve read in very long time, 30 min of my life I can never get back.
Unions have a place, though they had more of a place when they were first created. The vast majority of firefighters in the greater Chicago land area are doing very well and really have nothing to bitch about. Event at the low end of the pay scale of 40-50K we make more money for less work then many blue collar jobs.
If the folks at Lincolwood feel they were getting a bum deal and were being abused somehow then I’m glad they did what they did. However I will say what they did may end up being a bad choice also. It will be interesting to see how the municipality decides to move forward, they very well could decide to open the contract up for bid causing these folks to potentially lose their jobs when a new non-union contractor moves in. There is a big difference between a public and private union and what they can and can’t do.
If you know anything about the fire service and ems you’d lay off on Chief Hansen and making acusations. He happens to be a very well respected, by his peers, Chief in the state and is one of the biggest proponents of EMS “in the fire service” something that companies like Metro and Kurtz would love to see go away. The “Private Ambulance Companies” want ems to take a different route that leaves the fire department out, if that was to happen it would not be good for any of us that make our living as firefighters. We can’t afford the budget cuts.
Maybe we should fight less against each other (POC, Volunteere, Part-Time, Contract, Union, Non-Union) and fight the “Private Ambulance Companies” like Kurtz and Metro a bit more.
Do union guys like to work next to contract guys? I can tell you that as a union firefighter I don’t care. Would I like those positions to be filled by union guys, of course, but I also understand budgets and the fact that tax payers don’t want to pay more then they already do. Hell I’m a tax payer and I know I don’t want my taxes going up. Also I can tell you that my union “Brothers” talk just as poorly of the POC departments around us and even some of the other union departents. To me all of this is bullshit and really poor form.
The vast majority of firefighters in this country are not union and they do a hell of a job. I’m not about to go around telling people they aren’t firefighters because they aren’t unions or that I’m better because I am.
Lets keep an eye on what our job is… Our job is to protect people and provide aid to them when they need it. Do your job, worry less about the bullshit, and enjoy your life because it really is too short for this nonsense.
#5 by cmk420 on February 28, 2014 - 12:22 PM
TB–As previously stated in another comment, I don’t know who you are & what you do. I think your comments are valid…my only response is this–I worked in the fire service for 3 1/2 years, then (due to politics, I believe, but will never know) I was let go. Since then, I’ve been trying (unsuccessfully) to get back in, and now I have to do it without a paramedic license (which is the “golden ticket” in this business). I wish the hiring process was completely revamped, but I am a realist & know that will probably never happen.
#6 by T. B. on February 27, 2014 - 10:14 PM
cmk420, nobody has said anything about working together as a team. I have worked with them all, as a volunteer, POC, POP and career Firefighter. I would work with anyone to get the job done. The bottom line here is, the hiring process is completely different! I busted my butt to go through the entire hiring process and physical agility testing, as well as multiple interviews to find the right fit for the community I was going to serve, or who wanted me to protect them. Not just an employment packet! Private companies have many issues with employee turnover rate and discipline issues. The bottom line here is, you get what you pay for!!! It’s truly ironic to hear this coming from Lincolnwood because, I remember hearing a firefighter from there several years ago (who I know is still on the job) telling me that unions were useless. Oh well? They may learn sooner or later?!
#7 by Dave Bloom on February 27, 2014 - 3:47 PM
Dennis, you forgot the contracts at North Palos and Crete Township FPD’s. Don’t have the exact dates, but I was at PSI in the early 90’s at Leyden and North Palos. Wanted to go to Crete Township, but didn’t make the cut.
#8 by 0.02 on February 27, 2014 - 11:19 AM
Chris. There are multiple contracts going union. It is surprising that the ILRB is allowing it to happen this way, but that’s their deal. Lincolnwood, Bellwood, tri-state have gone union. They are all psi contracts, and Cicero which is metro. There is rumors that some Kurtz contracts and more PSI contracts are going through the process right now. See what happens.
#9 by cmk420 on February 27, 2014 - 10:48 AM
I’m going to make a quick chime-in on this topic. For 3 1/2 years, I served as a part-time FF/EMT in the suburbs. The district, I was employed with, was six PSI FF/medics, along with a full-time & a part-time staff. I can tell you, with some degree of certainty, that it did not matter whether the person was FT, PT or PSI, we were a team working together.
#10 by chris on February 27, 2014 - 10:04 AM
does anyone know why the union just went for lincolnwood and not all psi employee’s
#11 by T. B. on February 27, 2014 - 9:04 AM
It will be very interesting to see what happens in Lincolnwood. Private contract employees unionizing for better wages, benefits, working conditions and time off could be the end of PSI in Lincolnwood, or at least the end for the employees. This will be a very interesting story to follow. By the way, the vice-president of operations at PSI is in charge of running a fire department that happens to be Lincolnwood.
#12 by Dennis on February 27, 2014 - 8:55 AM
I’m not sure why everyone is getting upset on this thread. If you are a union protected employee it doesnt matter if its for a government department or a private department. If anyone wants to find out if this is a good thing or not all they need to do is look back at where PSI or any other private company was hired to provide their service.(i.e.Elk Grove Township).
Here is a list provided by PSI of all the communites they serve.
Leyden
May 1976
Oak Brook
September 1989
Lincolnwood
June 1977
Good Samaritan Hospital
January 1995
Carol Stream
July 1978
Melrose Park
January 1998
Glenside
January 1979
Genoa-Kingston
September 1999
Bartlett
December 1980
Fox River Grove
June 2000
Norwood Park
January 1981
Somonauk
January 2002
Pleasantview
September 1982
Forest Park
August 2004
St. Charles
December 1982
Bellwood
September 2004
Geneva
December 1982
LaSalle
March 2011
Batavia
December 1982
Aurora Township
March 2011
North Riverside
September 1985
Paw Paw
April 2012
West Chicago
October 1986
DeWitt County EMS
December 2012
Addison
November 1987
Barrington Countryside FPD
November 2013
#13 by 0.02 on February 27, 2014 - 7:54 AM
Lincolnwood’s fire chief is the VP of operations for PSI and I would guess that the psi contract calls for 27 firefighters and 1 administrator. So PSI could put whomever they want into that spot. I personally think that have a private company providing governmental services is a dangerous and unethical business venture. What happens when the for profit company starts losing money? They tell the governmental agency that either we are raising our rates or we’re leaving. Bottom line is PSI is a for profit company, as they should be in private industry. But it is a bad idea regarding governmental services.
#14 by RPF on February 27, 2014 - 12:08 AM
So Drew… When you took the test 30 some years ago, did you think you’d be posturing for a management job at PSI? Hmmmmm. Maybe PSI called before McDonalds or 7-11. Or maybe they had tests…..
#15 by Drew Smith on February 26, 2014 - 11:49 PM
I don’t know who you “initials people” are but you can clearly see that I have no problem using my full name. I believe in what I have to say, I don’t ask that others agree with me, and have listened to others who I may disagree with to better understand their position.
I am not ashamed by my quote and T.B. or whoever you are it is you and not me who added the words “or PSI” to my original quote in your rebuttal. I believe those words. Men who were in other jobs and have then become FF/PMs have shared similar sentiments. In spite of the BS we must some days endure everyone I call a brother (or sister) and view as a professional gets up and looks forward to being on duty, ready to serve each and every day. I wouldn’t trade it for more pay or better hours. It’s who I am, for the past 33 years what I do, and when I retire someday I plan to leave it better than when I started.
The chief of Lincolnwood is the chief. He is not the president of PSI. PSI is contracted by 25 units of government and there is a president over the entire company. I have no stock or interest in PSI although I am ever grateful to the Lincolnwood chief and the late president and CEO of PSI Mr. Earl Field for the opportunities they afforded me.
#16 by T. B. on February 26, 2014 - 10:56 PM
Oops! I have a few spelling and grammatical errors too! That is because I am so upset(pissed off)! by the peanut gallery! Sorry!
#17 by T. B. on February 26, 2014 - 10:16 PM
RPF, I have to agree with your comments. J. is the one who began this whole commentary. I ask all of you to ask any Union or Fullt-Time municipal Firefighter how they feel about working with the private employees? J., any Union Firefighter being compared to a private employee is wrong, and they would probably slap you, if they knew who you were and comparing them as “similar!” you are obviously clueless in the firefighting profession. Drew, I am shocked that you would say the chief is employed by PSI and not Lincolnwood? Is he the chief or president of the company/corporation? Would that make him the chief of PSI or President of PSI? One final note, and the revelation of all in the profession, “Get a job somewhere, anywhere (provided it’s not the Wild West or for PSI) and then get the best job (not a job, but rather a profession?!). A bad day as a contract ff/pm is still better then the best day at McDonalds or 7-11! That is the most pathetic thing I have ever heard?????
#18 by RPF on February 26, 2014 - 8:33 PM
J…..proactive how? About this pissing match between union firefighters and scabs? So you wanted to be proactive and start the pissing match? You speak of those who got hired on full time fire departments as lucky, but the same response is filled with spelling and grammar errors and is very difficult to even read!
#19 by Drew Smith on February 26, 2014 - 7:11 PM
The main difference between Lincolnwood FD and the other two mentioned, is that the Lincolnwood chief is selected and employed by PSI while the Barrington Countryside chief is employed by the BCFPD and the balance of the manpower comes from the contractor. I believe that this is also the situation att the Fox River and Countryside FPD but I am not 100% certain.
On a somewhat related note, I am asked on a regular basis by young men and women how to get a FD job. Many are headed on the path of paramedic school and then working for a private ambulance company. I always give them this piece of advice and it’s purely my opinion: Get A job somewhere, anywhere (provided it’s not the Wild West) and then work to get the best job. A bad day as a contact FF/PM is still better than the best day at McDonalds or 7-11!
#20 by John on February 26, 2014 - 2:39 PM
I was not being defensive, more like proactive. This is a great website to share and exchange information and I like to visit it. Some people take great offense to what is said in the comments section. I feel that drags down the website and we all know there are enough bad attitudes out there in the fire service. I am merely trying to keep the thread on topic as opposed to some kind of debate about labor practices. On that note though, I do agree with the opinions of Chief Smith that many many times skill has nothing to do with getting hired at a full time municipal department. Also many times contract employees are working side by side with union firefighters so comparing the too is very similar, and not the opposite. Departments like Lincolnwood, employing an entire force of contract employees is rare in this are, however 2 new ones in Barrington and St. Charles area have recently sprung up. 0.02 the OSFM memo you are referring to, is from 2008 and is addressing places like Romeoville running an academy for non-sponsored people, and then sponsoring them for a cert. That memo is a direct result of that, and other issues over the years. In no way is that addressing contract employees.
#21 by NJ on February 26, 2014 - 10:49 AM
So the Tower is OOS while A-15R is in service?
#22 by Drew Smith on February 26, 2014 - 8:37 AM
Since the start of the FD each shift has nine members assigned. Daily minimum is eight and that probably occurs half the time. Staffing is (and remains as I understand it) a BC in his buggy, 3 on E15, 2 on A15, and 2-3 on Twr 15 with the tower jumping to A15R. With the exception of the BCs the other members are cross trained as paramedics although there are a few that are just EMTs. Each day they need a minimum of four paramedics out of the seven assigned to companies. In my opinion A15R is not a reserve but a second ambulance as it runs several hundred calls each year.
#23 by Bill Post on February 26, 2014 - 12:42 AM
Drew perhaps you can clarify what the normal manning is in Lincolnwood for me. Since you had stated that the Chief works days and the other 27 members work the 24 hour shifts that leaves 9 people working per shift.
The way I had understood it that manning was supposed to be 3 men on the Engine, 4 men on the Truck and two paramedics on the ambulance plus the shift commander (known as Battalion 15), Are you saying that the shift commander only worked days ? I had thought that there were always 10 men on duty including the shift commander. I always had thought that the shift commander ran by himself on the Sprinter or whatever SUV that they were using at the time. I was also under the impression that 4 men would always be assigned to the Truck company as that way if the Ambulance was out on a run and another ambulance run came in the 2 of the men off of the Truck company would “jump on” the second ambulance so they wouldn’t need to call for mutual aide unless there was a third call for an ambulance.
If Lincolnwood only ran with 9 men per shift (including the watch commander) that would either mean that the watch commander had to ride of the Engine or Truck or it could mean that the Truck only was running with 3 men.
Another question is what did Lincolnwood do when one of the men were either on sick leave or vacation leave as 9 men on duty did n’t really give them much leeway when it came to manpower if someone was off that day?
#24 by Drew Smith on February 25, 2014 - 12:25 PM
Lincolnwood’s fire chief is the employing fire chief. He works for PSI, not the village. Therefore he can attest that his people are his members. No different than a volunteer FD that’s a NFP and supplies a municipality or FPD.
I am with you on the background check issue. There is no right to just share that info. There are municipalities that do their own “security checks” on contactors whether they be FF/PMs, janitors, mechanics, IT people, etc. I don’t know the legal requirements of that so I will refrain from commenting.
I will say there are many places that use contract personnel but then control those people as if they were employees making shift assignments, mandating certain performance, etc. There is plenty of case law that says that should these folks make a challenge as to who really is their employer the municipality may be on the hook. The source of the wage payment is not the sole issue that controls who is the employer.
Also, sponsoring is not employing. If you sponsor you do not take ownership, so to speak, of the member. I do not support sponsorship.
#25 by 0.02 on February 25, 2014 - 11:55 AM
Drew what is being argued regarding background checks is if you work for the contract agency then the district or municipality legally doesn’t have the right to any of that information unless the person legally releases it. If I work for psi and am assigned to lincolnwood lincolnwood has no right to my background information because they do not employ me.
It is the same thing regarding going to obtain OSFM certifications. You can not list PSI as your department or employing free chief, and if you don’t work for the municipality or district then that chief cannot legally sign for you.
All of this came out a few years ago when a chief filed a complaint with the OSFM about departments sponsoring people instead of employing them. Even the attestation form say “employing fire chief”
#26 by Drew Smith on February 25, 2014 - 10:02 AM
As you can see below the law clearly includes both public and private fire departments. Additionally, it is the governing body (municipality or fire protection district) that possesses the authority to determine how, with who, and with what they will operate their fire department. They may retain all operational control or they may choose to delegate some or all control to someone else. This may be a private, for-profit contractor or a private, not-for-profit organization. Many volunteer departments are not-for-profit organizations who are empowered by a municipality or fire protection district to run their fire department. While one can argue the perceived quality or professionalism their legal authority to operate is indisputable.
Personally, I have witnessed more than a few professional full time firefighters who passed an entry process that include a myriad of tests, physical ability exams, psychologist and physician exams, and background checks only to wash out at the academy, not make probation, or get fired for rule violations or breaking the law. There is no perfect hiring system. As for the inability of a private organization to conduct a background check, where or how you determined this is not possible? A quick search of the web will reveal several firms that will do such checks, including fingerprinting. Most of the required information is public domain. Many of these firms are licensed private investigators.
Two more points: Regarding the definition of a firefighter. From a legal perspective, if we are discussion the awarding of certifications by the state fire marshal then the definition is that section of the law applies. If we are discussing discipline then the definition in that section applies. The definitions are not interchangeable. They are based on the particular law being cited. Second, people are entitled to their position or opinion but in many cases it is privately employed contact paramedic/firefighters who then work part time elsewhere to shore up staffing in smaller departments and some of these members are the leadership behind those POC or volunteer FDs.
http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/041/04100141sections.html
Section 141.15 Definitions
Unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms have the meanings ascribed in this Section:
“Fire Department” or “Department” means an entity, public or private, possessing those resources necessary for fire administration, fire prevention, fire suppression, fire education and arson investigation.
“Fire Protection Personnel” and “Firefighter” mean any person engaged in fire administration, fire prevention, fire suppression, fire education and arson investigation, including any permanently employed trainee or volunteer firefighter, whether or not such person, trainee or volunteer is compensated for all or any fraction of his/her time. (Section 2 of the Act)
“Member” means an individual engaged by a fire department or fire brigade to carry out assigned duties, whether or not that person is compensated for all or any fraction of his/her time.
Section 141.300 Firefighter II
An Illinois Firefighter II program meets or exceeds the level identified in NFPA 1001. The term synonymous with Firefighter II is Operative Firefighter and identifies the expected level of supervision.
a) Prerequisites. A candidate for Firefighter II certification must be engaged in firefighting in an organized Illinois fire department as a fire protection person or trainee according to the Act as attested to by the employing Fire Chief of the individual seeking certification.
Section 141.301 Basic Operations Firefighter
An Illinois Basic Operations Firefighter program meets or exceeds the level identified in NFPA 1001. Individuals may certify as Firefighter II for 5 years, at which time the certification will no longer be offered and the individuals will be required to successfully complete the additional course work if they desire to qualify for certification as a Basic Operations Firefighter.
a) Prerequisites
5) Engagement in fire fighting in an organized Illinois fire department as a fire protection person according to the Act, as attested to by the employing Fire Chief of the individual seeking certification.
#27 by 0.02 on February 25, 2014 - 7:40 AM
I would think when they apply for classes they use the department name instead of using the contract service name. Check the statue for firefighter discipline I believe that has the definition of an employee.
#28 by Jim on February 24, 2014 - 11:35 PM
0.02,
According to that memo the individuals will have their certifications revoked. I went to the fire Illinois Statutes that was referenced and could not find the definition of an employee. I wonder how these departments are doing it and getting away with it.
#29 by T. B. on February 24, 2014 - 10:28 PM
I want to clarify a thing or two. I truly respect all the Volunteer Firefighters, POC’s and POP Firefighters in our country. Combine all of them, and they are the majority of Firefighters in our Country, followed by Municipal Firefighters and then the Private Companies. I am by no means being critical of municipal (Full-time, POC, POP or Volunteer) Firefighters. I just don’t think the private sector can be compared to any of the previously mentioned!
#30 by T. B. on February 24, 2014 - 10:16 PM
J., I don’t think this is an issue of union vs. private. The issue is real (tested) against not so real (untested) Firefighters. Getting hired as a full time Firefighter on a municipal department is not a matter of luck but, rather skills, ability, knowledge and back ground. Starting as a volunteer, POC or POP is a great way to begin a career as a Firefighter and a way to improve ones education in the Firefighting profession. Getting hired by a private company is totally different job. Im sure this will stir the pot, but it is the reality. Municipal vs. private is like comparing apples to oranges.
#31 by 0.02 on February 24, 2014 - 9:39 PM
http://www.iafpd.org/News2008/sponsorship%20_2_.pdf
Need I say more. And the definition of an employee is someone that is employed by said employer. So if the department or district isn’t giving them a pay check and paying for workers comp then they are not an employee. Yes there are probably many departments that are not following this either because they don’t understand the definition of an employee or they just don’t care about following the Administrative code.
#32 by Chuck on February 24, 2014 - 8:22 PM
IF you are going to apply at PSI – under NO circumstances should you tell them that you are on an eligibility list for the Chicago Fire Department, either Fire OR EMS, because that will essentially end their application process RIGHT THEN AND THERE. This was what ended my idea to apply there in 1985, when Earl Field (RIP) asked me if I was on any lists for Chicago. When I replied yes, he stated he would not even consider going any further with my application.
#33 by Jim on February 24, 2014 - 7:47 PM
0.02,
I am sure there are numerous people employed by PSI that have been getting their certifications from the OSFM. Are you saying those certifications are not valid? Do you need to be an employee of or just sponsored by a village? Most villages still have fire departments, they just choose to have private employees. Do you have a copy of the letter from the OSFM?
#34 by 0.02 on February 24, 2014 - 3:26 PM
J. Read the Illinois administrative code. It clearly states that you need to be an employee of the department or district. If you work for a contract company you are not an employee of the city or district. They do not pay your salary, benefits or workers comp so you are not their employee. They don’t even have a right to perform a background check on you. PSI or whatever contract service they are employed with is who the check comes from and the employees employer. This issue was dealt with back in 2008 when Lincolnshire was trying to send contract medics through an academy and they were told by the OSFM no along with a general letter being sent out to all Illinois departments explaining that you need to be a member of said employer.
#35 by RPF on February 24, 2014 - 2:30 PM
Wow. Little defensive J????
#36 by John on February 23, 2014 - 9:54 PM
I should also mention before this becomes some PSI vs. Union Fireman pissing debate, I am currently a full time union fireman in the suburbs. I tried for many years to get my foot in the door somewhere, and finally got my shot at PSI. I was not as lucky as some guys out there to land a full time gig their first or second time out. That does not mean I support everything they do or stand for. The fact of the matter is not every town can afford a full time fire department, and the system is broke. PSI is just a way for alot of guys to get started so take it for what it’s worth. I also disagree, with what has happened to the guys up in Barrington and a few other places.
#37 by John on February 23, 2014 - 9:43 PM
When you are hired by PSI, you get assigned to work at a Dept. You are now considered a rostered member of that Dept. and become eligible to take all OSFM tests. I know this because I am a former employee of PSI myself. I paid my own way for a fire academy and was then hired by PSI. After that I was able to take all my tests. Also if you are hired by PSI, depending on the requirements of the Dept. you are working at, they will send you to a fire academy at the expense of PSI. AL in order to be hired by PSI you pretty much have to be a medic already. After becoming a medic you can call them and set up an interview and fill out an application. It helps if you know someone at one of the departments they service. It would also help to know someone at PSI itself, however I have seen them hire people who didn’t know anyone. They also will hire people who are not already firefighters, but that is rare. PSI is a good way to get your foot in the door, to the fire service, but while you are doing that focus on taking every test you can and applying to part time or POC departments.
#38 by 0.02 on February 23, 2014 - 8:39 PM
The contract services would have to hire people already certified as firefighters because the Illinois administrative code says that you need to be an employee of a fire department or district to take OSFM testing.
The employees work for the contractor not the municipality or fire district.
#39 by AL on February 23, 2014 - 5:18 PM
How does PSI handle hiring? Do they post job openings and already trained/certified candidates apply or is there a testing process and they send you through an academy like how other FDs operate? Also, are all LFD members cross trained FF/PM or do they have single role medics or FF/EMTs?
#40 by Drew Smith on February 23, 2014 - 5:09 PM
I was one of the original 28 members when the LFD was founded January 1, 1990. I served there as a shift commander until September 1, 2001. Each of the 28 members from the chief down to the firefighters is an employee of Paramedic Services of Illinois. No member is employed by the Village of Lincolnwood. The chief works days and the other 27 members are divided among the three shifts that work the standard 24 on/48 off. All employees of PSI may participate in the company’s 401k plan. During my employment the 401k was only funded by employee contributions and we did not receive any contribution from PSI. As employees of PSI the village does not provide pension, worker’s compensation, etc. That is why they use PSI: to avoid the expenses and issues of doing it themselves. Prior to the establishment of the FD in 1990 PSI held a contract for EMS with the village since 1977. Until the FD was formed suppression was provided by the City of Chicago with the village paying for each company used on each incident.
#41 by John on February 23, 2014 - 2:44 PM
Can someone please clarify this article, perhaps a current or former employee? Do the firefighters in Lincolnwood get a pension from the city or is it the 401K plan that PSI offers its employees. While were at it, can someone please give us a run down of the Dept. and how it works? Thanks in advance.
Glad to see these guys are coming together with a union.