Excerpts from Chicago.cbslocal.com:
A video highlighting the ongoing staffing shortage at the federal fire department stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes and its impact on nearby communities.
Last Tuesday, CBS 2’s Tara Molina brought these concerns to local officials. She found out that several members of Congress are also questioning the Navy about the lack of action on this issue. Firefighters say they feel ignored by both the government and the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, especially regarding their request for a more flexible schedule.
The Great Lakes Fire Department is currently short by 12 personnel, with more firefighters expected to leave soon. According to Brian Pagliaroni, a firefighter/paramedic and president of IAFF Local F-37, many are working five consecutive days, often logging 120 hours straight to cover the gaps left by those who have already departed or are preparing to leave. When they can’t meet minimum staffing requirements, the department pulls firefighter/paramedics from surrounding areas like North Chicago, Libertyville, and Waukegan.
Most federal firehouses have adopted an alternative work schedule that gives firefighters more time to rest between shifts. However, the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, which oversees the Great Lakes Fire Department, remains one of the few regions that hasn't implemented such a change.
Twelve members of Congress recently sent a letter to the Navy, demanding answers on why the situation has not been resolved at any of the stations. In the letter addressed to Rear Admiral Charles W. Rock, they asked several key questions, including:
- How many firefighters at non-(Alternative Work Schedule) stations in the Mid-Atlantic region have transferred or requested to move to departments that use AWS?
- How much did the federal government pay in overtime to firefighters stationed at NRMA facilities in 2018?
- Has your department conducted a study on a 48-hour on, 72-hour off schedule? If so, please provide the results.
- Has your department conducted a study on a 48-hour on, 49-hour off schedule? If so, please include it in your response.
- If an AWS has proven successful in another region, has your department considered applying it to the NRMA area?
READ THE FULL LETTER
Thanks Max
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