Excerpts from MySuburbanLife.com: The Elmhurst Fire Department is currently facing a staffing crisis, with three firefighter positions remaining unfilled due to budget constraints imposed by the state of Illinois. At the April 18 City Council meeting, Elmhurst City Manager Jim Grabowski addressed the issue after residents raised concerns during earlier meetings on April 4 and 11. One of those residents, Geoff Gaebel, a firefighter in a neighboring municipality, spoke during the public comment session. He pointed out that the department has been operating with just three fewer firefighters for nearly a year, marking the lowest staffing level since 1999. Gaebel warned that the current shortage could lead to serious consequences. “When the apparatus runs with less than three personnel, bad things happen,†he said. “It’s not just the firefighters who are at risk — the whole community, the buildings, and the people living here are all affected.†He referenced a National Fire Protection Association document and a City Managers Association study that recommend a minimum of four personnel per fire truck to ensure safety during operations such as water pumping, search and rescue, and emergency response. Grabowski explained that the city is maintaining standard levels of service despite the shortage. “The residents of Elmhurst are safe now, just as they were nine months ago and nine years ago,†he stated. However, he also cited the ongoing state budget crisis as a key reason for not filling the vacancies. The potential loss of $2.2 million in revenue from the state could force the city to make tough financial decisions, including possible layoffs. Because of a clause in the firefighters’ union contract, which prohibits layoffs until May 2017, the city has instead opted to pay firefighters time-and-a-half to cover all three shifts. This approach, while helping maintain coverage, has raised concerns among some council members. Alderman Mark Mulliner expressed his worries about the impact of this overtime-heavy system on the firefighters. “By requiring them to work double shifts, we’re placing an undue burden on them,†he said. “There’s a real concern about their well-being and the long-term sustainability of the department.†Mulliner also challenged Grabowski’s reasoning, arguing that paying overtime is just as costly as hiring new firefighters. Additionally, he pointed out that other recent hires in the city contradict the claim of severe revenue shortfalls. “We’re down not just three firefighters, but actually four, because we’re missing a chief right now,†Mulliner added. Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com: Recent comments from a local resident at an Elmhurst City Council meeting have drawn attention to the city's fire department staffing challenges. Geoff Gaebel, a lifelong Elmhurst resident and firefighter in another municipality, criticized the decision not to replace three retired or disabled firefighters. “The Elmhurst Fire Department has been short three members for almost a year, bringing staffing levels down to the lowest since 1999,†Gaebel said. City Manager James Grabowski explained that the department is currently using overtime to cover the gaps and that no shift is running without adequate personnel. “Each shift is being covered by an Elmhurst firefighter working time and a half,†he said. Grabowski attributed the lack of hiring to uncertainty over the state budget and the terms of the firefighter union contract, which prevents layoffs during the current agreement period. Ed Siuzdak, a firefighter and union representative, voiced frustration over the situation. “We’d like to see our manning restored to replace the three guys and anyone else who retires,†he said. While discussions about removing the no-layoff clause took place, Siuzdak noted that no clear commitment was made. Siuzdak also mentioned ongoing talks about upgrading fire engines with advanced life support equipment, though questions remain about the availability of paramedics and the associated costs. Grabowski reiterated his concerns about the state budget and emphasized that any changes would need to consider multiple factors before moving forward. Thanks, Dan Silicone Adhesive For Stone Materials Silicone Adhesive For Stone Materials,Anti-Fungus Silicone Sealant,Anti-Fungus Sealant Chemical Glue,Construction Silicone Sealant For Curtain Wall Shandong Tongchuang Rubber Industry Co.,Ltd. , https://www.tcadhesive.com