Excerpts from Chicago.cbslocal.com:
A recent video highlights a critical staffing shortage at the federal fire department stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes and how this issue is impacting nearby communities.
Last Tuesday, CBS 2’s Tara Molina brought these concerns directly to local officials. She found out that several members of Congress are also questioning the Navy about the ongoing staffing crisis and why it hasn’t been resolved. Firefighters say they feel ignored by both the government and the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, which has not responded to their requests for a more flexible work schedule.
The Great Lakes Fire Department is currently short by 12 firefighters, and more are expected to leave soon. According to Brian Pagliaroni, a firefighter/paramedic and president of IAFF Local F-37, the team is working extremely long hours—often five days straight, totaling 120 hours in a row—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 surrounding areas like North Chicago, Libertyville, and Waukegan.
Most federal fire stations have now adopted an alternative work schedule (AWS) that allows firefighters more time to rest between shifts. However, the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, which includes the Great Lakes Fire Department, remains one of the few federal firefighting regions that has not implemented such a system.
Twelve members of Congress recently sent a formal letter to the Navy, demanding answers about the lack of progress at these stations. In the letter addressed to Rear Admiral Charles W. Rock, the lawmakers asked a series of detailed questions, including:
- How many firefighters at non-AWS stations within the Mid-Atlantic region have requested or been transferred to departments using an AWS?
- What was the total amount paid in overtime to firefighters at NRMA stations in 2018?
- Has your department conducted any studies on an AWS of 48 hours on, 72 hours off? If so, please provide the findings.
- Has your department studied an AWS of 48 hours on, 49 hours off? If yes, please include the results.
- If an AWS has worked well in another region, has your department considered applying it to the NRMA area?
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Thanks, Max
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