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.
#1 by Bill Post on August 24, 2018 - 7:57 PM
I too don’t see why the city is unable to increase the retirement age for the fire commissioner or why they can’t civilianize the jog. Jose Santiago who has plenty of firefighting expierience.
According to what I read Commissioner Santiago wanted to stay.
One of the good things from his tenure is that no stations were closed and no staffed companies were taken out of service. Company manning was not reduced either. It is scary to read that it looks like the deputy fire commissioners will all be retiring also. It would be interesting to hear what the rank and file brass and firefighters think about it.
#2 by Mike Mc on August 24, 2018 - 12:52 PM
The mayor’s chances of re-election are 50/50 at best. No one will accept the job knowing they can be reduced to battalion chief in six months. He will probably pick someone near retirement age or that has expressed interest in retirement to fill in until after the election.
Find it difficult to believe that the mayor can not get the city council to pass a law waiving the maximum age or else making it a civilian position. Richard J. Daley had no problem, but of course, that was a different era. He must feel it is time for Santiago to go.
#3 by Bob on August 24, 2018 - 11:35 AM
Election is coming up. Expect the next commissioner to be appointed simply by race, not qualifications or experience. Wouldn’t be surprised if it were the merit/AA promoted Female DDC in the south side.