Archive for December 13th, 2019

Chicago Fire Department news

Excerpts from the ChicagoSunTimes.com:

The CChicago Firefighters Union Local 2 filed a motion for an injunction in Cook County Circuit Court on Tuesday that seeks to stop the promotions of more than a dozen department members to battalion chief — set to take effect Dec. 16 — because 17 department members slated for advancement scored below 70% on the promotional exam.

“In order to be promoted to the rank of battalion chief, an applicant is required to achieve a passing grade of seventy (70) or better. This requirement is based on the parties’ mutually understood past practice” that has been “articulated” in prior arbitration awards, the union argues.

However, 17 test-takers who scored below 70% on the exam, given in 2016, are set to be promoted next week, according to the union. There are 112 battalion chiefs in the fire department.

In the past, the battalion chief test score was based on three sections; written and oral parts each accounted for 35% of the score, with the final 30% based on seniority. The promotional exam administrator’s scoring method was changed for the 2016 exam, allowing those who scored below 70% to still get promoted — a change that the union says is a violation of the department’s collective bargaining agreement.

“The City is willfully violating the Agreement by promoting applicants to Battalion Chief from a promotional list which ranks applicants improperly,” the union argued. An attorney for the union could not be reached for comment.

Though the union says the promotions are set to take effect Dec. 16, the first hearing on the motion is scheduled for Dec. 17. It’s unclear if the court date would render the motion moot.

Bill McCaffrey, spokesman for the law department, said the city plans to vigorously contest the union’s claims. “The city believes that the suit is without merit, as is the request for emergency relief,” he said in an email.

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Working fire in Des Plaines, 12-12-19

The Des Plaines FD responded to an apartment fire at 642 colonial Dr.Thursday afternoon 12/12/19.

Des Plaines Fire has a fire Thursday. This time it was  a solid stop by Firehouse 63’s at an apartment fire. They kept it outta the attic. Interior knockdown, roof, overhaul etc.  It was kept to a working fire response. No civilian injuries reported.
Firefighters overhaul after apartment fire

Des Plaines FD photo

Firefighters overhaul after apartment fire

Des Plaines FD photo

Firefighters overhaul after apartment fire

Des Plaines FD photo

Firefighters overhaul after apartment fire

Des Plaines FD photo

thanks Minas

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A request for patches

Can anyone be of assistance:
Good morning… my name is Sharon Doty and I live out in DeKalb IL. I’m inquiring about a Chicago Fire Department patch. Not certain if I’m connecting to the right place or if you can lead me in the right direction. My sons dad was a firefighter/chief in Sycamore local 3042 for 23 years. He’s now retired. My 10 year old has taken up collecting fire department patches. We go into Luries Children’s Hospital every 6 months for his Dr. appointments. On our last visit, we walked across to Harry Carays for lunch and passed Firehouse 98. The young man working that day was outside returning from a call and he was SO kind to take a few minutes to talk with my son and even asked if he’d like a picture next to the engine. Quin has talked about that every time we hear a siren go off. It made quite an impact. The firefighters name was Mohammed. Anyway, I would like to see about getting a patch either from Chicago or Firehouse 98. Not certain if they have different patches in the city. I want to put it in his Christmas stocking. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thank you,
Sharon Doty
(815)751-8478
1523 Waterside Drive
DeKalb, IL 60115

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New engine for Huntley FPD (more)

updated production photos of the new engine being built for the Huntley FPD by Toyne

fire engine being built

Huntley FPD photo

fire engine being built

Huntley FPD photo

fire engine being built

Huntley FPD photo

fire engine being built

Huntley FPD photo

fire engine being built

Huntley FPD photo

fire engine being built

Huntley FPD photo

fire engine being built

Huntley FPD photo

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