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Oak Lawn fire chief to add Chicago Ridge to his duties (more)
The Southtown Star recently published an article detailing a new collaborative arrangement between Oak Lawn and Chicago Ridge regarding the shared services of a fire chief. The agreement, which has sparked some local discussion, outlines how Oak Lawn Fire Chief George Sheets will take on a leadership role in the Chicago Ridge Fire Department.
According to the agreement, which was approved by both village boards, Sheets will have full authority over the Chicago Ridge Fire Department, including control over personnel, equipment, and vehicles. However, staffing decisions—such as hiring and firing—will remain under the jurisdiction of the Chicago Ridge mayor and trustees.
This unique setup was officially approved on July 8 by Oak Lawn and July 15 by Chicago Ridge. Under the terms, Sheets is expected to spend at least one-third of his time managing and administrating the Chicago Ridge department, which currently employs 13 firefighter/paramedics. As a result, Chicago Ridge will cover one-third of his annual salary. For this year, that amounts to $37,695 over 5.5 months, with similar payments planned for 2015 and 2016.
The agreement also states that the mayor of Chicago Ridge can terminate Sheets’ position at any time for a lawful reason. However, if this happens, Chicago Ridge would still be required to pay him through the end of his contract in 2016. Both parties must provide at least 30 days’ notice before ending his tenure in Chicago Ridge.
Additionally, Sheets will not receive civil service protections, pensions, workers' compensation, health insurance, or disability benefits from Chicago Ridge. He will continue to enjoy these benefits as a full-time employee of Oak Lawn.
Another key point is that any legal action involving Sheets’ actions in one village cannot include the other as a defendant. This ensures that each community remains legally separate in matters related to his duties.
The agreement was obtained by the Southtown Star through Illinois’ freedom of information law, providing transparency into this unusual but potentially effective partnership between two neighboring communities. It's an interesting model that could influence future collaborations in emergency services across the region.
Thanks, Dan.