Excerpts from Chicago.cbslocal.com:
A video highlighting the staffing crisis at the federal fire department stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes, and how this shortage is impacting nearby communities.
Last Tuesday, CBS 2’s Tara Molina brought these concerns to local elected officials. She found out that members of Congress are also questioning the Navy about the ongoing issue and why it hasn’t been resolved. Firefighters claim the federal government isn’t listening to their pleas or the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic’s request for a schedule adjustment.
The Great Lakes Fire Department is currently short by 12 personnel, with more expected to leave soon. According to Brian Pagliaroni, a firefighter/paramedic and president of IAFF Local F-37, the remaining staff are working grueling schedules—often five consecutive days, totaling 120 hours straight, just 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 neighboring areas like North Chicago, Libertyville, and Waukegan.
Most federal fire departments have now implemented an alternative work schedule (AWS) 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 federal firefighting regions that has not adopted such a system.
Twelve members of Congress recently sent a formal letter to the Navy, demanding answers on why the situation hasn’t been addressed across all stations. In the letter, addressed to Rear Admiral Charles W. Rock, they asked several critical questions, including:
- How many firefighters at non-AWS stations in the Mid-Atlantic region have transferred or requested to move to departments that use an AWS?
- What was the total amount paid in overtime to firefighters at NRMA stations in 2018?
- Has your department conducted research on a 48-hour on, 72-hour off AWS? If so, please provide the findings.
- Has your department studied a 48-hour on, 49-hour off AWS? If yes, please include the results.
- If an AWS has proven effective in other regions, has your department considered applying it to the NRMA region?
READ THE FULL LETTER
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