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 over proposed changes to the fire department. The decision came just weeks after the village board encouraged Mayor Chuck Tokar to explore more efficient ways to provide firefighter and ambulance services.
Muszynski’s departure has sparked concern among firefighters, who fear for their job security. According to Tokar, potential changes could involve hiring a private ambulance service, joining a fire protection district, or adding a second ambulance at the former firehouse located at 107th Street and Lombard Avenue. This location currently houses three older fire trucks used primarily for training by paid-on-call firefighters.
The main fire station, which opened five years ago in an industrial park on the west side of Chicago Ridge, is roughly two to three miles from the village’s residential heart. Tokar and the board are worried that this distance may delay emergency responses, especially for ambulance calls that are sometimes handled by neighboring communities.
Adding a second ambulance would require hiring up to eight more firefighters, according to Muszynski. However, Tokar argued that this was not feasible, as it would increase the village’s annual pension levy by over $1 million. “We can’t afford to hire seven or eight to staff that 24/7,†he said. “That’s way too expensive.â€
As tensions escalated, the board eventually demanded Muszynski’s resignation through Mayor Tokar. The chief submitted his letter of resignation on Monday.
Christ Schmelzer, president of Chicago Ridge Professional Firefighters Local 3098, expressed concerns about the current situation. “There’s a lot of tension in the firehouse,†he said. “We basically fear for our jobs. No one has come over and told us to not worry. Everybody is running around scared.â€
Muszynski, 58, previously served in the Skokie and Schaumburg fire departments before being hired as chief in early 2011. Tokar praised his performance during his tenure.
While there are no immediate plans to lay off full-time employees, Tokar believes the fire department could become more efficient. He noted that ambulances from nearby communities like Alsip, Bridgeview, North Palos, and Oak Lawn often respond to a large number of Chicago Ridge calls. Adding another ambulance, he said, could keep more money within the village and better serve residents.
To reduce costs, the department could cut the number of firefighter/paramedics per call from two to one and stop sending a fire truck to every ambulance response, according to Tokar.
Schmelzer mentioned that the union now has 12 firefighter/paramedics and one lieutenant, down from 17 a few years ago. A recent letter from Local 3098 highlighted that the department received 2,424 service requests last year, with 1,599 involving ambulances. They handled 87% of those calls, with outside agencies only called in when they were busy elsewhere.
The letter also acknowledged potential benefits of joining a fire protection district but urged a thorough examination of all options. Meanwhile, a recent village letter to residents suggested that major changes might be on the horizon, stating they would have “no problem†with a part-time fire department.
Both sides are currently engaged in contract negotiations, which have been marked by heated exchanges and accusations. Schmelzer noted that the starting salary for firefighters is $45,000, but only one new hire has been made in the past decade. Low staffing has led to significant overtime, with the village paying $45,000 in overtime over six weeks.
The village, however, claims the highest base salary, including benefits, exceeds $100,000 annually when overtime is factored in.
Tokar said he plans to consult with more fire department efficiency experts to find solutions for Chicago Ridge.
Thanks to Dieterich.
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