Excerpts from Chicago.cbslocal.com:
A recent video highlights the ongoing staffing crisis at the federal fire department stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes, and how this shortage is impacting nearby communities. The issue has raised concerns among local residents, firefighters, and even members of Congress.
Last Tuesday, CBS 2's Tara Molina brought these concerns directly to elected officials. She found out that several members of Congress are also questioning the Navy about why the staffing problem isn't being resolved. Firefighters claim they're not being heard, and their requests for a more sustainable work schedule aren’t being taken seriously by the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.
The Great Lakes Fire Department is currently short by 12 personnel, with more firefighters planning to leave. According to Brian Pagliaroni, a firefighter/paramedic at Great Lakes and president of IAFF Local F-37, the remaining staff are overworked and exhausted. Many are working five consecutive days, logging up to 120 hours straight to cover for those who have already left or are about to leave. When the minimum staffing level can't be met, the department pulls in firefighter/paramedics from surrounding areas like North Chicago, Libertyville, and Waukegan.
Most federal fire stations have adopted an alternative work schedule (AWS) that gives firefighters more time off between shifts, but the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic — which oversees Great Lakes — is one of the few that hasn’t made the switch. This lack of change has only worsened the situation.
In response, twelve members of Congress recently sent a formal letter to Rear Admiral Charles W. Rock, commander of the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, demanding answers. The letter included several pointed questions about the current staffing issues and potential solutions.
Among the questions posed were:
- How many firefighters at non-AWS stations in the Mid-Atlantic region have transferred or requested to move to departments that use an alternative work schedule?
- What was the total amount paid in overtime to firefighters based at NRMA stations in 2018?
- Has your department conducted any studies on a 48-hour on, 72-hour off schedule? If so, please provide the results.
- Has your department studied a 48-hour on, 49-hour off schedule? If yes, please include the findings.
- If an AWS has been successful in other regions, has your department considered applying it to the NRMA region?
The letter underscores the growing frustration with the lack of action on this critical staffing issue. Firefighters and lawmakers alike are calling for immediate changes to prevent further strain on both the department and the communities it serves.
READ THE FULL LETTER
Thanks, Max
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