Frp Grating,Frp Grp Composite Grating,Frp Grating With Chequered Plate,Frp Chequered Moulded Grating Nantong Shengrui Composites Co.,Ltd , https://www.frpsr.com
Chicago Ridge to buy quint
The Reporteronline.net recently published an article discussing the new fire chief of Chicago Ridge, George Sheets, who is bringing a new strategy to the department—similar to what he implemented in Oak Lawn. Since taking over in July, Sheets has been focused on improving efficiency and reducing costs, and his latest plan aims to cut the department’s vehicle maintenance budget by 50% through fleet upgrades.
Currently, the department spends around $60,000 annually to maintain 11 vehicles. Sheets believes this is too high, especially when compared to the Oak Lawn Fire Department, which manages 18 vehicles with a $50,000 maintenance budget. As both fire chief in Oak Lawn and Chicago Ridge, Sheets is well aware of the cost differences and is pushing for change.
At a recent village board meeting, Sheets proposed purchasing a quint—a specialized fire apparatus that combines the functions of an engine and a ladder truck. He explained that the quint offers the latest firefighting technology and can replace multiple vehicles, making operations more efficient. However, the cost is significant: a demo unit is estimated at $650,000. While state or federal grants might help, the board hasn’t approved the purchase yet. Some trustees wanted to see the truck in person before deciding, so Sheets was given the authority to negotiate directly with the manufacturer.
Sheets also warned that the price of the quint could rise by 4% soon, and demo models are usually sold quickly due to their discounted rates. He emphasized the need to consolidate equipment, suggesting that the department could remove an aerial truck and two pumper trucks—especially one that is heavily rusted and in poor condition. Although he was offered $164,000 for the three vehicles, Sheets is hoping for a better deal.
In September, Sheets addressed another issue: false alarms. After reviewing data from 2013, which showed 86 false alarms responded to by firefighters, he called for stricter penalties and a 300% increase in fines. The previous ordinance only required businesses to pay $25 starting from the seventh false alarm, but Sheets updated it to $100 beginning with the second call.
Additionally, Sheets recommended raising the ambulance fee, as the current rate was among the lowest in the region and hadn't been adjusted in six years. His goal remains clear: streamline operations, reduce expenses, and ensure the department is better equipped to serve the community efficiently.