CFD overtime drives push for new exam (more)

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An article in the Chicago Sun-Times now highlights the escalating overtime expenses within the fire department, with aldermen closely questioning Fire Commissioner Santiago. The Chicago Fire Department is set to spend $43 million on overtime this year—more than double the initial authorization—due to "legal complications" related to past discrimination lawsuits that halted new firefighter hires, according to a senior mayoral aide. The Chicago Sun-Times reported earlier that Chicago will conduct its first firefighter recruitment exam in eight years in 2014, amid rising overtime costs that have surged from $13.5 million in 2011 to a projected $35.3 million in 2014. Mayor Rahm Emanuel's 2013 budget allocated $20 million for Fire Department overtime. However, Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago admitted on Monday that the actual expenditure would reach $43 million. “There were a series of legal issues the Fire Department had to address with the Legal Department that essentially prevented us from recruiting new firefighters. The city couldn’t hire firefighters,” Santiago stated while facing scrutiny at the City Council budget hearings. “These issues have been resolved. Starting November 18, we’ll have 150 recruits entering the academy to tackle this overtime crisis. We’ll have additional classes afterward, each starting when the previous one reaches the halfway mark. This should cover the existing staffing gaps and account for future retirements.” Santiago estimated that 245 firefighters will retire in 2013. The full complement of uniformed and civilian employees is around 5,100, yet the current workforce stands at 4,700. Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd ward) expressed concern about the lack of resistance from the Fire Department regarding minimum staffing requirements, which sparked the infamous 1980 firefighters' strike. The firefighters' contract mandates that every firefighting vehicle must have at least five personnel onboard. In ongoing contract negotiations, Emanuel has pushed for "double houses"—units combining both engines and trucks—to be staffed by nine firefighters rather than ten. The Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 has strongly opposed this change. “Did anyone consider the potential overtime costs resulting from reduced manpower during discussions with the Legal Department?” Waguespack queried. First Deputy Fire Commissioner Charles Stewart confirmed that no such calculations were made. However, Santiago emphasized that the urgency of the situation was repeatedly voiced during multiple meetings with the Legal Department and the Office of Budget and Management. “We continually highlighted our predicament: we couldn’t hire; we had retirees leaving. We devised a hiring plan but couldn’t implement it,” Santiago explained. “Numerous meetings were held. We consistently informed them that we urgently needed assistance. If not, overtime costs would skyrocket—and they did,” he added. Waguespack pressed further, asking whether the decision to halt hiring was mandatory or discretionary. Stewart responded, “Strong advice was given to refrain from hiring until the legal issues were resolved. We ensured they understood our staffing challenges, but following that advice was unavoidable.” Earlier this year, the City Council approved spending nearly $2 million, plus an additional $1.7 million in legal fees, to compensate dozens of women who were denied firefighter roles due to a discriminatory physical fitness test that the city has since discarded. Last year, Chicago borrowed $78.4 million to settle claims for nearly 6,000 African-American applicants who were overlooked due to biased handling of a 1995 entrance exam. The borrowed funds inflated the settlement cost, which exceeded expectations. The city had already committed to hiring 111 bypassed black firefighters. Monetary compensation was awarded to approximately 5,900 others who never received that opportunity. Beyond older firefighters, outdated equipment poses another challenge for the Fire Department. Ideally, fire engines and ladder trucks should last six years, yet in Chicago, their average lifespan exceeds 11 years. For ladder trucks, the optimal service duration is 7.5 years, whereas Chicago’s average exceeds 15 years. Ambulances, meant to serve for 2.5 years, are currently operational for 6.2 years. The city plans to acquire 25 new ambulances this year and refurbish four others, Santiago noted. On the same day, Santiago assured aldermen that the Fire Department meets state-mandated response times, arriving at fire scenes in 3 minutes and 35 seconds and at medical emergencies in 5 minutes and 5 seconds, based on the time elapsed from the alarm sounding to the arrival of the first unit. Inspector General Joe Ferguson recently measured response times differently and accused the Fire Department of failing to meet national standards. This prompted Alderman Anthony Beale (9th ward) to warn Santiago. “I expect you to collaborate with the Inspector General to ensure the 9th Ward isn’t ranked last in the upcoming report,” Beale stated. “Even a few seconds matter when lives hang in the balance. Address this issue promptly. Do not return next year with the 9th Ward trailing again.” Thanks, Dan.

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