Des Plaines ambulance controversy

The *Des Plaines Daily Herald* recently published an article highlighting a surprising twist in the city’s decision regarding the purchase of a new ambulance. The city was on the verge of becoming one of only a few suburban areas to adopt a vertical exhaust ambulance system, which supporters argue is safer due to its ability to release diesel fumes higher above the ground, reducing exposure for firefighters and the public. However, not everyone was convinced. Des Plaines Fire Chief Alan Wax and Mayor Matt Bogusz raised concerns that the move might be addressing a non-existent problem. As a result, Bogusz took action by requesting the council to rescind the purchase. With a 4-4 tie in the vote, he cast the deciding vote to officially cancel the deal. Fifth Ward Alderman Jim Brookman, a retired firefighter who had strongly advocated for the vertical exhaust system, expressed surprise at the mayor’s move. He noted that it was unusual for a mayor to attempt to overturn a previous council decision. Brookman claimed the rescission was “improper and illegal” and pledged to seek guidance from the Illinois Attorney General. Mayor Bogusz defended his stance, stating that the decision wasn’t about policy but rather operational considerations. “This isn’t a policy decision,” he said. “It’s more of an operational choice. I believe we should focus more on policy.” Although the council approved the purchase in March, the fire department didn’t proceed with the actual acquisition. Fire Chief Wax argued that the current horizontal exhaust system was sufficient, citing improved emission standards that allow fumes to disperse more quickly. His team also surveyed 40 nearby communities, finding that only two—Evanston and Winnetka—used vertical exhaust ambulances. Additionally, representatives from ambulance manufacturers indicated that vertical exhaust systems were rarely produced or sold. Brookman, however, insisted that the city needed to go beyond standard measures to protect both firefighters and the public from potential harm caused by diesel fumes. He referenced studies from the World Health Organization linking diesel emissions to cancer risks and shared personal stories, including that of his best friend, a firefighter who died of cancer. While adding a vertical exhaust system to an ambulance would cost just $1,500, installing a capture system in fire stations could run up to $75,000. This financial aspect likely played a role in the debate. During a heated discussion at the March 3 council meeting, Brookman and Wax clashed over whether the current fleet posed any real risk. Brookman, who spent 15 years on ambulances, insisted that diesel fumes were unavoidable. “You can’t be on an ambulance without breathing those fumes,” he said. Wax, on the other hand, couldn’t confirm that fumes were actually entering the vehicles. The exchange continued as Brookman pressed Wax: “If they’re pumped out the side, where do they go?” Wax replied, “They dissipate into the air.” But Brookman countered, “They come up from the ground. You breathe them if you're standing in the fumes.” After the council rejected the vertical exhaust purchase, Bogusz proposed buying a horizontal exhaust ambulance for $226,229. However, the motion failed to gain support. Wax said he plans to revisit the issue at a later date. The fire department currently operates five ambulances and follows a regular replacement schedule.

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