The Southtown Star recently published an article detailing the resignation of Chicago Ridge Fire Chief Robert Muszynski, who stepped down due to "personal differences" with the village’s elected officials. The disagreement centered on proposed changes to the fire department, including potential shifts in how emergency services are delivered. Muszynski's departure came just weeks after the village board encouraged Mayor Chuck Tokar to explore more efficient ways to provide both firefighting and ambulance services.
According to Tokar, possible changes could involve contracting a private ambulance service, joining a fire protection district, or adding a second ambulance at the former fire station located at 107th Street and Lombard Avenue. This location currently houses three older fire trucks used mainly for training by paid-on-call firefighters, who sometimes assist during high-volume call periods.
The main firehouse, which opened five years ago in an industrial park on the west side of Chicago Ridge, is about two to three miles from the residential area. Officials worry that this distance may delay response times, especially for ambulance calls that are often handled by neighboring communities.
Muszynski had previously raised concerns about the cost of adding a second ambulance, which would require hiring up to eight additional firefighters. However, Tokar argued that such a move would be financially unsustainable, as it could increase the village’s annual pension levy by over $1 million. “We can’t afford to hire seven or eight people to staff that 24/7,†he said.
As tensions escalated, the village board eventually demanded Muszynski’s resignation through the mayor. He submitted his letter on Monday, marking the end of his tenure as chief.
Firefighter/paramedic Christ Schmelzer, president of Chicago Ridge Professional Firefighters Local 3098, expressed concern about job security. “There’s a lot of tension in the firehouse,†he said. “We fear for our jobs. No one has come over and told us to not worry. Everyone is running around scared.â€
Muszynski, 58, had previously worked in Skokie and Schaumburg before being hired as chief in early 2011. While Tokar praised his performance, the chief reportedly felt the changes were not in the best interest of the department or its members.
Tokar emphasized that no full-time employees will be laid off, but he believes the department could become more efficient. He suggested reducing the number of firefighter/paramedics per call from two to one and eliminating the practice of sending a fire truck to every ambulance call. This, he said, could help save money and keep more resources within the village.
Schmelzer noted that the union now has 12 firefighter/paramedics and one lieutenant, down from 17 a few years ago. According to a letter from Local 3098, the department handled 87% of its 2,424 service requests last year, with 1,599 being ambulance calls. Outside agencies were only called in when they were busy with other emergencies.
The letter also acknowledged potential benefits of a fire protection district but urged careful consideration of all options. Meanwhile, a recent letter to residents hinted that significant changes might be coming, including the possibility of a part-time fire department.
Both sides are currently engaged in contract negotiations, which have been marked by heated discussions and mutual accusations. Schmelzer mentioned that the starting salary for firefighters is $45,000, with only one new hire in the past decade. Low staffing levels have led to heavy reliance on overtime, with the village paying $45,000 in overtime over six weeks.
Tokar claims the highest base salary, including benefits, exceeds $100,000 annually when overtime is factored in. He plans to consult with more fire department efficiency experts to find solutions for Chicago Ridge.
Thanks to Dieterich.
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