Archive for August 23rd, 2018

Chicago Fire Department news

Excerpts from the ChicagoSunTimes.com:

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is looking for a new Chicago Fire Department commissioner, as Jose Santiago hits mandatory retirement age and steps down. Emanuel tried to find a way to let Santiago stay past his 63rd birthday that’s coming up in a few days, but the city statute bars firefighters of any rank from serving beyond that.

Emanuel appointed Santiago in 2012 after the retirement of Robert Hoff. At the time, the mayor would not rule out closing firehouses or reducing the number of firefighters per truck from the required five, saying new technology made change possible. But there have been no such cuts. Emanuel also initially pushed for an end to uniform allowances and other perks for firefighters under the contract that was then being negotiated. But those harder-line positions also didn’t make it into the final deal.

The city’s contract with Firefighters Union Local 2 expired over a year ago, and negotiations are underway for a new deal as the re-election-seeking mayor searches for a new fire commissioner.

Emanuel wants to name a replacement soon, and his focus will be on candidates within the fire department.

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New engine for Homewood (more)

From the Pierce Flickr site:

Pierce Village of Homewood FD, IL 32058

Homewood FD Engine 28

Pierce composite

thanks Al

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Blue Island Fire Department history

This from Mike Summa:

For #TBT.  Fire at the Lyric Theater in Blue Island, February 14th, 1960.  Sunday afternoon matinee filled with children watching a movie.  The building was evacuated and the only loss was the building.  Today, this would have been a box alarm with multiple companies attending and change of quarters.  Back then it was handled solely by Blue Island.  How times have changed.  Photos courtesy Blue Island Historical Society.Mike Summa 

Fire at the Lyric Theater in Blue Island, February 14th, 1960

Fire at the Lyric Theater in Blue Island, February 14th, 1960. From the Blue Island Historical Society

Fire at the Lyric Theater in Blue Island, February 14th, 1960

Fire at the Lyric Theater in Blue Island, February 14th, 1960. From the Blue Island Historical Society

Fire at the Lyric Theater in Blue Island, February 14th, 1960

Fire at the Lyric Theater in Blue Island, February 14th, 1960. From the Blue Island Historical Society

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Homewood Fire Department history

This from Mike Summa:

For #TBT-Homewood Engine 12, a 1957 FWD 1000/?

Homewood Fire Department history

Homewood Fire Department history

Homewood FD 1957 FWD fire engine

Mike Summa photo

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