10/07/2018
This is a well written post by our previous Chief of Department Greg Klaiber. THANK YOU, Chief for your undying support, Brother!
Friends,
The City of Evanston recently released its proposed 2019 budget which calls for significant budget reductions to eliminate an estimated $7.8 million dollar deficit. The budget calls for a $1.2 million reduction from the Evanston Fire Department’s operations by closing Fire Station 4 located at 1817 Washington St., taking Engine 24 out of service and eliminating a total of 9 Firefighter/paramedics positions from the department.
The Evanston Fire Department responded to over 10,300 calls for service in 2017, 1,173 of which were located in Fire Station 4’s and Engine 24’s protection district. 911 calls for service have increased 73 percent over the last 30 years from 5924 in 1986 to 10,267 in 2016. During this 30 year period of steadily increasing call volume the EFD lost 2 sworn positions. It is now being proposed to eliminate 9 more Firefighter/paramedics from their ranks. It’s one thing to do more with the same, it’s quite another for our fire department to be asked to do a lot more with a lot less.
If this proposal is approved, Engine 24’s district would be covered by Engine 22 located at 702 Madison, and Engine 21 located at 1332 Emerson, resulting in increased response times for those who live, work and play in what was once Engine 24’s district. As the City of Evanston’s former Fire Chief, I simply cannot support the proposed cuts and its potential negative impact on public safety in Evanston. I cannot support a 20 percent reduction in fire suppression protection. I cannot support the elimination of nearly 10 percent of Firefighter/paramedic positions within the Evanston Fire Department. Finally, I cannot support increased response times for our residents.
If you agree with me, please contact the Mayor and City Council and respectfully let them know that you too do not support such significant cuts that have the potential to negatively impact public safety in the City of Evanston.
