Archive for May 21st, 2014

State legislation concerns local municipalities (more)

The Daily Herald has more on the local debate concerning IL HB5485:

Controversial state legislation that would make staffing levels for fire departments subject to arbitration should have no impact on Mount Prospect, the president of Mount Prospect Firefighters Local 4119 told the village board this week. The “minimum manning bill” would add staffing levels to the list of items — along with wages, hours and working conditions — subject to arbitration in the event that the village and firefighters could not agree on a contract.

Many suburban communities are outspoken opponents of the proposal, saying it would take decision making away from local officials intimately familiar with their communities’ needs and place it instead in the hands of an outside arbiter. They also say it could cost municipalities millions to pay for extra staff that officials don’t believe are needed.

But firefighter union President Dale Steward told village trustees this week those concerns are overblown. The proposal, he said, simply clarifies the intent of a 28-year law giving first responders input into the levels of safe staffing.

Mayor Arlene Juracek said municipalities are concerned about the loss of local control.

The minimum manning bill, HB 5485, is pending in the state legislature.

thanks Dan

A series of posts on this topic can be traced backwards beginning HERE.

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Oak Park apparatus update

This from Dan McInerney:

This is Westchester’s old Engine 2. (1990 E-One Cyclone, 1500/500). It is a loaner to us from our E-One dealer while HME/Ahrens Fox does repair work on both of our engines. It is in service this week as our truck is also in for some repair work.

E-ONE fire engine

Former Westchester engine being used as a loaner for the Oak Park Fire Department. Dan McInerney photo

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As seen around … Rockford

This from Mike Maida:

I recently stopped by one of the Rockford Fire Stations and took photos of one of their 2013 Pierce engines.  This one is Engine 4 a 2013 Pierce Saber PUC rescue engine.  The engine is ALS equipped with an access door to the EMS compartment on the officer’s side.  This is one of 3 designated “Extrication” engines in Rockford.  The other two are Engines 8 and 11.  This engine is heading out on a EMS run.  The third photo is Rockford Quint 5 the 2012 Pierce Velocity 105-ft quint.

Sincerely,
 
Mike Maida

 

fire truck driving

Rockford FD Pierce quint. Mike Maida photo

Rockford FD Pierce PUC fire engine

Rockford FD Pierce PUC fire engine. Mike Maida photo

Rockford FD Pierce PUC fire engine

Rockford FD Pierce PUC fire engine. Mike Maida photo

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Bridgeview Car into Building 5/20/2014

From Martin Nowak:

car smashes into house

Martin Nowak photo

car smashes into house

Martin Nowak photo

car smashes into house

Martin Nowak photo

car smashes into house

Martin Nowak photo

car smashes into house

Martin Nowak photo

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New area apparatus orders

From the Fire Service, Inc. Facebook page:

The Aurora Fire Department ordered an additional Wheeled Coach type I ambulance. This will be the twin of Medic 1 delivered in March. Anticipated delivery in July.

 

Congratulations to Chief Randy Deicke, Deputy Chief Randy Banker, the apparatus committee, and the City of Batavia Fire Department on their purchase of a new E-ONE Typhoon custom engine.

 

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