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In a recent article on Reporteronline.net, it was highlighted how Chicago Ridge's new fire chief, George Sheets, is bringing innovative changes to his department, much like he did during his tenure in Oak Lawn. At a recent village board meeting, Chief Sheets outlined ambitious plans aimed at cutting the department's vehicle maintenance budget in half. Currently, the department spends approximately $60,000 annually to maintain 11 vehicles, a figure Sheets argues is excessive when compared to Oak Lawn's $50,000 budget for 18 vehicles. As both departments share the same leadership, Sheets has firsthand knowledge of the cost-saving measures implemented elsewhere.
To achieve this efficiency boost, Sheets is advocating for the acquisition of a quintuple combination pumper, or "quint," which serves as both an engine and a ladder truck. This multipurpose vehicle, he explained, consolidates several specialized vehicles into one, equipped with the latest firefighting technologies. While the upfront cost for a demo unit is steep—around $650,000—Sheet noted that potential state or federal grants might help cover the expense. Although the village board didn't immediately approve the purchase, Sheets received authorization to negotiate directly with the manufacturer. He warned trustees that the price could rise by 4% soon, as demo units are typically short-lived due to their discounted pricing.
Sheets also suggested divesting from certain older vehicles, such as an aerial truck and two pumpers—one severely rusted and in need of major repairs. He mentioned receiving an offer of $164,000 for these vehicles but is aiming for a higher price. His broader strategy involves streamlining the fleet while reducing maintenance costs, which have been rising steadily.
Another area of focus for Sheets is addressing the issue of false alarms. After discovering that Chicago Ridge firefighters responded to 86 false alarms in 2013, he pushed for stricter penalties. Previously, businesses were only charged $25 for each false alarm beyond the sixth occurrence. Now, the fine starts at $100 after the second false alarm, reflecting Sheets' commitment to making the village's ordinances more impactful.
Lastly, Sheets addressed the ambulance service rates, pointing out that Chicago Ridge's fees were among the lowest in the region. Having remained unchanged for six years, Sheets proposed an increase to bring the rates in line with neighboring communities. These changes reflect Sheets' dedication to modernizing operations and ensuring the department operates efficiently while maintaining its responsiveness to community needs.