Des Plaines ambulance controversy

The *Daily Herald* recently published an article detailing a surprising twist in the city of Des Plaines’ decision to purchase a new ambulance. The city was originally planning to acquire one of only a few vertical exhaust ambulances in the suburbs, a move that supporters claimed would improve safety by reducing harmful diesel fumes near firefighters and the public. However, the plan faced strong opposition from key local officials. Fire Chief Alan Wax and Mayor Matt Bogusz argued that the vertical exhaust system addressed a problem that didn’t actually exist. As a result, Bogusz took a decisive step on Monday by breaking a 4-4 council tie and officially rescinding the purchase. This move sparked controversy, especially among those who had supported the change. Fifth Ward Alderman Jim Brookman, a retired firefighter and vocal advocate for the vertical exhaust system, expressed his disbelief that a mayor would ever attempt to reverse a previous council decision. He called the motion to rescind “improper and illegal” and announced he would seek an opinion from the Illinois Attorney General. Brookman emphasized that the issue wasn’t just about cost but about protecting both firefighters and the public from potential health risks linked to diesel emissions. Mayor Bogusz, on the other hand, maintained that the decision wasn’t a policy matter but an operational one, and he urged the council to focus more on long-term policy decisions rather than isolated actions. Despite the council’s initial approval of the purchase in March, the fire department did not proceed with the acquisition. Chief Wax pointed out that current emission standards have improved, allowing fumes to disperse more quickly. His team also reviewed 40 nearby communities, including Evanston and Winnetka, which already use vertical exhaust systems. However, he noted that manufacturers reported limited demand for such vehicles, suggesting they are not widely adopted. Brookman, however, remained firm in his stance, citing World Health Organization studies linking diesel fumes to cancer risk. He shared emotional stories about firefighters in Des Plaines who died from cancer, including his own best friend, reinforcing his belief that the city needed to take extra precautions. While adding a vertical exhaust system to an ambulance costs only $1,500, retrofitting fire stations with capture systems would cost a staggering $75,000. This financial aspect became a point of contention during heated discussions between Brookman and Wax. At a recent meeting, Brookman insisted that diesel fumes were unavoidable when working on ambulances, while Wax denied having any evidence of fumes entering the vehicles. Their debate highlighted the deep divide over the necessity of the change. Following the rejection of the vertical exhaust model, Bogusz proposed purchasing a horizontal exhaust ambulance for $226,229, but the motion failed to gain support. Wax said he plans to revisit the issue at a later date, as the department continues its annual replacement schedule for its five active ambulances. This ongoing debate reflects broader concerns about public health, firefighter safety, and the balance between innovation and practicality in municipal decision-making.

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