The Southtown Star recently published an article regarding the resignation of Chicago Ridge Fire Chief Robert Muszynski. The chief cited "personal differences" with the village's elected officials as the reason for stepping down, particularly over disagreements concerning proposed changes to the fire department. This development comes shortly after the village board urged Mayor Chuck Tokar to explore ways to make firefighter and ambulance services more efficient. Firefighters are now expressing concerns about their job security amidst these discussions.
Mayor Tokar mentioned that potential changes might involve outsourcing ambulance services to a private company, joining a fire protection district, or increasing the number of ambulances stationed at the old firehouse located on 107th Street and Lombard Avenue. Currently, this facility houses three older fire trucks primarily used for training by the paid-on-call firefighters, who step in during busier periods.
Opened five years ago, the main firehouse is situated in an industrial park on the west side of Chicago Ridge, approximately two to three miles away from the village's residential core. Mayor Tokar and the village board are worried that this distance could result in critical delays when responding to emergency ambulance calls, which are sometimes handled by neighboring towns.
In order to add a second ambulance, Muszynski estimated that up to eight additional firefighters would need to be hired. However, Tokar argued against this due to financial constraints. He stated, "We simply cannot afford to hire seven or eight people to cover 24/7 shifts; it’s just too costly." When it became evident that Muszynski wouldn’t compromise, the board instructed Mayor Tokar to demand his resignation, which was officially tendered last Monday.
Christ Schmelzer, president of Chicago Ridge Professional Firefighters Local 3098, expressed significant unease among the team. "There’s a palpable tension within the firehouse," he noted. "No one has reassured us that we’re safe from layoffs. Everyone feels anxious and uncertain about what lies ahead."
Muszynski, aged 58, previously served as a firefighter at both Skokie and Schaumburg departments before being appointed as chief in early 2011. Mayor Tokar acknowledged his satisfactory performance throughout his tenure.
Tokar emphasized that no full-time employees will face layoffs. Nonetheless, he admitted that the fire department could operate more efficiently. For instance, ambulances from nearby areas like Alsip, Bridgeview, North Palos, or Oak Lawn frequently respond to Chicago Ridge emergencies. Having an extra ambulance within the village would not only save local funds but also benefit residents directly. To reduce expenses, Tokar suggested reducing the number of firefighter/paramedics dispatched per call from two to one and eliminating the practice of sending a fire engine along with every ambulance response.
In a recent interview on June 4, Schmelzer revealed that the union currently counts 12 firefighter/paramedics and one lieutenant, compared to 17 just a few years back.
According to a letter from Local 3098, last year the fire department received 2,424 service requests, of which 1,599 were for ambulance assistance. They successfully managed 87% of these cases independently, calling upon external agencies only when they were occupied with other emergencies.
The letter also mentioned the possibility of advantages associated with forming a protection district but stressed the importance of thoroughly examining every aspect of any potential merger. Meanwhile, a village notice sent out last week to residents hinted at possible major adjustments, indicating readiness to consider a fire department operated by part-time workers.
Both parties remain engaged in ongoing contract negotiations, which tend to involve intense debates and mutual accusations.
Schmelzer pointed out that the starting salary for firefighters begins at $45,000, yet there has been only one new hire in the past decade. Reduced staffing levels have led to excessive overtime, costing the village $45,000 over six weeks. Including overtime, the highest annual base salary with benefits exceeds $100,000.
Tokar mentioned his intention to consult further with fire department efficiency experts to enhance operations in Chicago Ridge.
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