Excerpts from MySuburbanLife.com: The Elmhurst Fire Department is currently facing a staffing crisis, with three firefighter positions remaining unfilled due to budget constraints at the state level. At the April 18 City Council meeting, Elmhurst City Manager Jim Grabowski addressed the issue after residents raised concerns during previous meetings on April 4 and 11. One of the most vocal critics was Geoff Gaebel, an Elmhurst resident and firefighter in another municipality, who pointed out that the department has been operating with three fewer firefighters for nearly a year — the lowest staffing level since 1999. Gaebel warned that the shortage puts both firefighters and the community at risk. “When apparatus runs with less than three personnel, bad things happen,†he said. “It’s not just about the firefighters; it affects everyone — the city, the residents, the buildings, and the lives of this town.†He referenced studies from the National Fire Protection Association and the City Managers Association, which recommend a minimum of four-person crews for operations like water pumping and search and rescue. Despite these concerns, Grabowski defended the current staffing levels, stating that the department is still meeting expected standards. “I want to stress that the residents of Elmhurst are safe right now as they were nine months ago and nine years ago,†Grabowski said. However, he explained that hiring new firefighters isn’t possible due to the state budget crisis, which could reduce the city’s revenue by $2.2 million unless legislation changes the funding formula. Grabowski also mentioned that the city’s largest expense is personnel, and if revenue drops, layoffs may be necessary. But due to the collective bargaining agreement with the fire union, firefighters cannot be laid off during the contract period, which ends in May 2017. To manage the shortage, firefighters are working overtime, often receiving time-and-a-half pay to cover all three shifts. Alderman Mark Mulliner criticized this approach, arguing that overworking firefighters creates unnecessary strain and poses risks to their well-being. Mulliner also challenged Grabowski’s financial reasoning, pointing out that paying overtime is costly and questioning why other city departments have managed to hire despite the budget uncertainty. He noted that the department is actually short four people, including one missing chief. Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com: Recent discussions at an Elmhurst City Council meeting have brought attention to the city’s ongoing issue with fire department staffing. Geoff Gaebel, a lifelong resident and firefighter in a neighboring town, criticized the decision not to replace three firefighters who have retired or are on medical leave. “The Elmhurst Fire Department is currently short three members and has been for about a year, bringing the department down to its lowest staffing level since 1999,†Gaebel said. City manager James Grabowski explained that the department is currently covering the vacancies through overtime, with each shift staffed by an Elmhurst firefighter paid at time-and-a-half. He also mentioned the city’s partnership with Metro Paramedic Services, which provides two advanced life support ambulances and 12 paramedics with an average of seven years of experience. Grabowski cited the uncertain state budget and the terms of the firefighter union contract as reasons for not filling the vacancies. “We’d just like to see our manning restored to replace the three guys and anyone additional that retires,†said Ed Siuzdak, an Elmhurst firefighter and member of the IAF Firefighters’ Union. Siuzaq added that union representatives had discussed removing the no-layoff clause but did not receive a clear commitment from Grabowski to hire replacements. They also talked about upgrading fire engines with advanced life support equipment, though Grabowski expressed concerns about potential costs and availability of trained paramedics. Siuzdak noted that while about a third of firefighters are certified paramedics, many aren’t fully utilizing those skills. Grabowski reiterated his concerns about the state budget and the complexity of any potential changes to the union contract. Thanks, Dan. Special Adhesive For Large Fish Tanks,Special Glue For Large Fish Tanks,Special Sealant For Large Fish Tanks Shandong Tongchuang Rubber Industry Co.,Ltd. , https://www.tcadhesive.com