The *Daily Herald* recently published an article highlighting the challenges faced by the Mount Prospect Fire Department. According to Chief John Malcolm, the department has been working hard to maintain quick response times despite budget cuts that have resulted in the loss of six full-time firefighter positions since 2010. Both the chief and the village board are concerned about the long-term sustainability of the department.
One of the most troubling issues raised by the trustees is the current policy of sending the tower ladder on every emergency call, rather than returning to the station for it. This approach, while intended to save time, has raised concerns over the potential risks and increased wear and tear on the equipment.
In 2010, as part of a 10% village-wide budget reduction, the number of full-time sworn firefighters dropped from 72 to 66. To compensate, Chief Malcolm initially relied on a "jump" company — a small team of three personnel, including a lieutenant and two firefighters, who would respond with either the engine or the tower ladder depending on the call. This meant staffing two vehicles with just three people.
However, this strategy had its drawbacks. In July 2011, during a fire at a three-story apartment building hit by lightning, the situation escalated rapidly. Flames were already going through the roof when the tower ladder remained unstaffed at the station. “I had no ladder truck at three o’clock in the morning,†Malcolm recalled. “And I couldn’t get mutual aid at the time.†As a result, the crew had to return to the station, grab the tower ladder, and then re-respond to the scene — significantly delaying their arrival.
Eventually, the department decided to send Tower 13 on every call, which led to a significant increase in its workload. By 2012, the tower ladder responded to 1,894 calls, while the entire department handled 5,777 calls that year.
At a recent Committee of the Whole meeting, trustees expressed concern about several factors: the increasing strain on the tower unit, the risk of it being unavailable when needed due to ambulance assignments, and the changing dynamics of mutual aid.
Here are some key statistics:
- In 2011: Received 314 mutual aid calls, provided 142.
- In 2012: Received 300, provided 235.
- In 2013: Received 218, provided 185.
- Projected for 2014: Received 338, provided 150.
These numbers show a growing reliance on outside assistance, raising questions about the department’s capacity to handle emergencies independently.
Thanks Ron & Chris.
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