This from Eric Haak:
Got to Harvey’s box very late on Wednesday, but Dolton’s new Rosenbauer engine was parked in the sun and I don’t think a picture has been submitted of it yet.
Dolton Engine 15 2018 Rosenbauer Commander 1500/750. Eric Haak photo
New engine for Dolton FD
#1 by Tim on December 30, 2018 - 7:59 PM
Nfpa of course are only standards and are not law. Those are great standards but if the dept. can’t meet them because of financial constraints then it really doesn’t matter. When we discuss the south suburbs many of those departments are full time union but still run under manned. We haven’t even touched on their pension plans.
#2 by Mike L on December 29, 2018 - 3:33 PM
The NFPA standards for manpower on scene/response times are 1710 (career) and 1720 (volunteer). There are standards for each because, when the standard was developed/adopted, volunteer departments successfully argued that they could not realistically meet the 1710 standard so the 1720 standard was adopted as well.
#3 by MABAS 21 on December 29, 2018 - 11:43 AM
Matt,
I am not familiar with the reasons of the beefed up responses in Division 24, since I do not work in there, but can speculate that they were instituted because of the NIOSH report issued from the LODD of Brian Carey.
Also if you look at NFPA 1910 and 1920, both standards outline a minimum first alarm assessment for apparatus, firefighters and chief officers for ICS on a variety of occupancies. A recommendation is to dispatch more firefighters on first alarms to make up for smaller crews on poorly staffed departments.
I know that Drew Smith is very knowledgeable with these standards, and perhaps he may offer some better insight.
#4 by Matt on December 29, 2018 - 9:45 AM
Jim, you are right a consolidation would help. It will never happen due to the political mess and corruption in the south suburbs. Mabas 21 hit it on the head. These are the cards they’re dealt. And it will not be getting better EVER. Look at Matteson Fire for example. Great guys, great pay…….Lincoln Mall gone, Wal mart gone, Target gone, Toys R us gone, JN Michaels (great family restaurant with a big following) gone. Thats just one town. All the southern suburbs are on that track. The government especially the fire service is ironic to say the least. The departments that run the most fires have the lowest staffing levels.
Mabas 21 correct me if i’m wrong…Isnt one of the reasons Mabas 24 dumps so many rigs on the initial still is because of the LODD of Brian Carey?
#5 by Jim on December 29, 2018 - 7:24 AM
MABAS 21,
Sounds like a consolidation would help many of those and your department. Many departments in those divisions are on top of each other. A consolidation would allow that manpower to be used to increase staffing while reducing the number and duplication of apparatus.
#6 by Crabbymilton on December 29, 2018 - 12:09 AM
Looks like a nice no nonsense rig there.
Sharp color combo as well.
#7 by MABAS 21 on December 28, 2018 - 9:38 PM
Dan,
The reality in the southern suburbs, Mabas Divisions 21, 22 and 24, most are struggling financially and 2 man companies are unfortunately the norm. Yes we all want 3-4 man companies, which would be a luxury, but have to deal with the cards dealt to us. We have to make the expected level of service work in relation to what our city fathers are willing to fund. Those of us who have our own ambulances, are lucky enough to marry their crew to the suppression companies, if they’re available. Yes it is dangerous and we have to abide by the 2 in 2 out, hence we have huge auto aid responses for reported fires to provide the minimum required firefighters on the scene.
The department I have worked for over 2 decades had 3-4 man companies, now 2. Through attrition, retirements and younger members leaving for bigger more stable departments, we have lost over an entire platoon of firefighters and officers. We struggle to meet daily minimum manning levels with overtime, but at times run jump companies because we’re getting burned out.
The common political mindset is to dish out overtime to provide staffing because it is cheaper than hiring fulltime personnel with insurance and pension obligations. Also, they rather dump money on new apparatus, because it is cheaper than budgeting for personnel in the long run.
#8 by harry on December 28, 2018 - 9:14 PM
looks very nice I know there rigs are not that super old I think 08
#9 by Rusty on December 28, 2018 - 9:10 PM
The graphics are a little small. Must have run out of money!
#10 by Dan on December 28, 2018 - 8:40 PM
How can a two man company be effective or operate safely?
#11 by Michael m on December 28, 2018 - 7:36 PM
Is the Pierce engine 16?
#12 by Mike on December 28, 2018 - 7:34 PM
Since these guys only run 2 man companies they should have saved some money and bought a 2 man cab.