Archive for May 28th, 2018

Elgin Fire Department news

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

Elgin may revise its requirements for firefighters to attract a more diverse group of applicants. The city council unanimously moved forward on changing firefighter application requirements. The city requires 60 college credit hours as a prerequisite for hiring but that would become optional if the city follows through on its proposed changes. A final vote is scheduled for June 13. The testing fee will be reduced from $40 to $20 for the next applicantion sessions, and candidates can have the fee waived if they are in financial need.

The department tests for new members every two years and plans on doing so sometime in July. Elgin gives job candidates preference points for various certifications and military service. Candidates with 60 or more college credit hours will receive points as well.

In 2016, 203 people tested to become Elgin firefighters, with 170 of them identifying as white, 22 Hispanic, two black, and five Asian. Five of the 203 applicants were women.

The college credit requirement was cited by some in the community and the city’s diversity consultant, as a possible barrier to attracting a diverse group of applicants. Some people may have to go to work directly after high school, which would take them out of the talent pool.

The department has 133 members with 40 percent of firefighters eligible to retire if they so choose. The department is predominantly white and male. With recent retirements and a few firefighters out on permanent disability, the department has hired 12 new firefighters since January 2017. Those hired must complete an EMT basic class available at local community colleges within a year of being hired.

thanks Dan

Tags: ,

Chicago FD paramedic attacked by patient

Excerpts from abc7chicago.com:

About 4 a.m., Chicago Fire Department paramedics were called to the on the 2700-block of West 68th Street for a female seeking medical attention. The patient became combative during her treatment and began fighting the paramedics inside the ambulance. Latorya Thigpen, 19, allegedly spat at the paramedics, struck them in the body, face, and head with closed fists, punched them multiple times, kicked and scratched them as they attempted to treat her. Injuries to the victims included scratches, abrasions, bruising and even loss of consciousness due to the blows. She was charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery.

While paramedics were in the 6800 block of South Damen Avenue responding to this call, their ambulance was struck by a bullet. A group of people gathered outside the ambulance and began banging on the windows and doors to get inside. That’s when several shots were fired somewhere outside. The paramedics drove away with the patient to 69th Street and Bell Avenue, before dropping her off at Holy Cross Hospital. Officers arrived shortly after to a call of gunshots fired in the area and recovered shell casings and a vehicle related to the shooting.

A bullet hole was discovered in the ambulance

thanks Dan

Tags: , , , , ,

New ambulance for Merrionette Park

This from Dennis McGuire, Jr:

Merrionette Park just purchased a used 2009 Ford F-450/Horton (X-Lombard, Illinois) to replace a 2004 Ford E-350/McCoy Miller. The  old ambulance was 2672 and the newer one will be 2682.

 

Tags: , ,

Berwyn Fire Department history

Former Berwyn FD Station 1 at 6728 W. Windsor built in 1896.

Former Berwyn FD Station 1 built in 1896.

Former Berwyn FD Station 1 built in 1896.

thanks Josh

Tags: , ,