Blue Island firefighters say understaffing in the city’s Fire Department has put firefighters and residents in danger.
“I’m one of the few remaining firefighters in Blue Island,” Ken Dompeling told aldermen Tuesday night in an emotional appeal for more manpower.
Dompeling said the number of city firefighters has dropped from a high of 21 to about 12 as city officials cut new hires because of budget constraints.
Many firefighters are now forced to work 96-hour shifts to account for the staffing shortage, Dompeling said.
“Our performance levels have dropped due to decreased staffing and increased workloads,” he said.
Aldermen said they are aware of the staff shortages but have been limited by budget deficits. Staff cuts also have depleted the city’s police and public works departments, said Ald. James Deiters (5th).
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“I would be more than willing to say that we should raise taxes to make the village safe,” Deiters said. “We need more money, but we will have to raise taxes.”
The issue also could complicate negotiations on a new employee contract between city and fire union officials.