An article on Reporteronline highlights the ongoing tensions between the Chicago Ridge Fire Department and local officials, focusing on a range of critical issues that have sparked concern among firefighters. The Chicago Ridge Firefighters Union has raised alarms over what they describe as a "staffing crisis" that is putting both the department and the community at risk. Chris Schmelzer, president of the fire department’s union, expressed frustration in an email to Trustee Bruce Quintos, which was obtained by the Reporter. He emphasized that the idea of staffing a second station with existing personnel is not only unsafe but also unsustainable. “To staff a firehouse with two people is dangerous, reduces services for the entire town, and just doesn’t make sense,†he wrote. In a recent interview, Schmelzer criticized the lack of communication between the fire chief, George Sheets, and the firefighters, calling it a major issue. “There's no real communication. We're just coexisting, doing things under threat of discipline,†he said. He described the current environment as more like a “dictatorship†than a team effort. Mayor Chuck Tokar confirmed that the plan to reopen the Lombard Avenue fire station by Christmas has been delayed until the end of January. However, he defended the decision, stating that the station will operate 12 hours a day during peak call times. He argued that the location near the residential area makes it more efficient and that using the station for ambulance service will reduce reliance on neighboring communities—something residents currently pay for. Despite these claims, union leaders remain skeptical. Schmelzer pointed out that the new plan requires two ambulances to respond to every call, which would leave no one to handle other emergencies. “Under the new plan, fire protection is eliminated every time we get an ambulance call. No one is left to answer the next call,†he wrote in his email. He also noted that the department is still operating with four-person minimum shifts, but with limited staffing, overtime is frequent and unsustainable. Additionally, the union is upset about the village’s decision to purchase a new quint—a multi-functional fire apparatus. This purchase led to the removal of an aerial truck and two pumper trucks from the fleet, including one that is heavily rusted and in need of repairs. According to Fire Chief Sheets, the proceeds from selling those vehicles will help offset the cost of the new quint, which totals $685,000. A state loan could cover most of the remaining balance. However, Schmelzer criticized the purchase, saying it’s a waste of resources. “Spending nearly $700,000 on a vehicle that will only be staffed with two people seems short-sighted and irresponsible,†he said. While the mayor insists the decisions are made with input from the union, Schmelzer remains unconvinced. “Don’t believe everything you hear,†he said, adding that the union is working to ensure the safety of both firefighters and residents. Thanks, Dan One Pass Wire Cut Edm Machine,Wire Edm,Wire Cut Edm Machine,Wire Cutting Machine,CNC Molybdenum Wire Cut EDM Machine Qingdao Jiujin Machinery Co., Ltd , https://www.jiuinmachinery.com