I repeat, again, to make it clear what I am saying. This discussion is about whether Peru would benefit from joint fire and EMS services.
19 posts are relevant. Do the math and tell me how this is a fair, unbiased discussion?
11:15 PM, September 07, 2011
This seems like a good time to get some opinions from my other blog readers. I usually try to be open minded and flexible and if someone has a concern they wish to express and they place it under a topic that is not what the concern is about, I don't have a problem with that but as expressed by the reader above, she does.
This is actually the way some of the most intense discussions have taken place and again I don't have a problem with it and I just wonder how others feel.
As numerous posters have stated they are happy to have found this blog to express their opinions and I am glad to be able to offer you the place to do it
I guess I feel that a lot in life is not pretty and I have no intention of covering it up to make anyone feel good about the blog. The blog does not exist to present a rosey picture but merely an honest one in my opinion and offer others the chance to disagree with me. Since I happen to read the posts and make the decisions as to whether they are posted or not, I will just say "the buck stops here" I have a few friends I will read a post to and say I am thinking of not putting this up and they generally will say, you need to put it up, people need to be aware of this and they will tell me in their opinion why it needs to be posted. Again sometimes I agree and sometimes I do not.
As far as integrity again it is up to each individual to make that judgement.
52 comments:
Again I would like to have a FD EMS vs private service discussion and maybe after the Peru FD is on sound footing again, we can bring it up. Several of the Peru FD fire fighters do know how I feel about it but you need to have strong leadership in order for it to work. No pun intended but there seemed to be a lot of unattended smoldering beneath what looked like a peaceful department to us on the outside.
If the bloggers are posting what they believe to be the truth, how can it be slander? This blog is a place for the people to voice concerns about what is right or wrong. This town has lived "in the dark" and operated under the bully way too long. In fact, I like everything opened up for all to see. If you're not hiding anything, what is there to worry about? Keeps everybody honest now, doesn't it? In case you haven't read the news lately, this country is NOT tolerating bully action anymore. Hopefully, this blog will expose all the truth and we can function in a productive community again.
Cassandra: You seem to be defending PVAS which leads me to believe you are connected to them in some manner. If that is true or if you know facts about them present them to the bloggers. Many have asked legitimate questions seeking the truth but no one has responded which makes one question their operation and wonder if we wouldn't be better off connected to the fire department.
As far as Lois being fair she is being more than that. She is allowing citizens like you to criticize her and her hard work while she is trying to provide citizens a place to express their thoughts, fears, ideas, and concerns without being chastised. If you had to put a heading for every post listed it would be total chaos.
By the way your post doesn't seem to have anything to do with the topic posted. It seems to me that your post is an analysis and an attack on the way Lois has set up her blog. She forces no one to read it, to comment on it, or agree with it. She is just giving people (like you) to voice their concerns.
Well done, Lois!
As a reader and casual contributor to this blog, I venture into it with the hopes of gaining a 360 degree view of the perception of others on pertinent city-related topics. And we all know that perception is not always reality. My vote says post the comments and allow the readers to adjust their mindset in terms of opinion vs. truth; sometimes it's one in the same, sometimes it's not. Ideally the topic will stay on-track, but tangents are unavoidable. Name-calling and slander should be avoided by the opinion-holder who chooses to share their perspective. Posting such is not necessarily a reflection of the blog host, but rather the blogger. Strong opinions that seem negative can be expressed respectfully. Those who do not posses the art of written expression when dealing with negativity typically identify themselves as anonymous. I digest those posts with a grain of salt, but they do play a role in the evolution of perception.
Lois, this does not belong under this topic but for lack of a better place I decided to post here. If you want to make a new heading it's okay. Maybe others have questions along the same line as I do.
Does anyone know what pool equipment is available for bid, where you would get this list of items, how and who you would contact to see the items, how you place a bid on an item, where do you send the bid, when will you know if you won the item, etc., etc., etc. In other words who is in charge and what is the proper procedure? It seems a mystery and no one seems certain of who's in charge.
Yes Lois, I am also interested in the pool equipment. It would be helpful to know how to go about placing a bid. Thanks for all you do!
Lois, I think everyone is forgetting that Peru gives PVAS $4,000 a month. That is why it is such a hot topic. And rightfully so! TAXPAYERS MONEY
Lois you are doing a great job, keep it up. For those who want to criticize your blog I'll reveal a deep, dark secret to them right now!
LOIS DOES NOT HAVE EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO THE WORLD OF BLOGS - YOU HAVE THE FREEDOM IN THE USA TO START YOUR OWN
Thank you Lois for giving me the opportunity to express myself on your blog even though at times I get off of the subject because I would like to expound on something that is important to me at the time. It also widens my views on topics, as I am sure it also has informed many of our local political figures, because I get the opportunity to realize others viewpoints.
I have found your blog to be a very good educational tool and a very positive force for the betterment of the City of Peru.
Too those who feel a blog should be conducted with stringent discipline to be success-
ful could you please answer my question? Why is Lois' blog receiving 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and now over 100 comments to her topics with the life span of 19 continuous months?
Lois thanks for volunteering all of your time and my vote is to keep the blog exactly as it is.
Rodney Perez 11:13am Sep 8
Still standing Tall as a Peru Firefighter. The recent blog postings has raised many eyebrows and concerns on the stability of our fire department.
Are there some true accusations? Yes
Is there a bit of spin to some of these accusations? Yes
What is going on here is the same thing we see at our present and past jobs.. At one time or another you had personality conflicts, disagreements, differences of opinions with a boss, manager or fellow employee. It was up to you on how the situation was going to go. Good communication and Compromise for the most part would resolve most of those conflicts but Every department, Profession, and organization has a variety of personalities that may now and then clash.
Yes, it happens here now and then but it has since the early 70s since my father was a member and well before that, and it will continue well past my grandkids. Not because the department is dysfunctional it's just simply because communicating differences is not easy.
Regardless of the negativity, The number one goal of the Chief and every firefighter is to keep Peru safe, and "we are committed to do that. "
There are many changes made by Chief King and many more to come. Do I agree with every change? No, But He is the Chief and as long as he is being fair, honest and conservative he must run the department and Firefighters as he sees fit.
The City pays a part time Fire Chief under $10,000.00 per year with no benefits, which includes the appointment of the City Fire Marshall.
Chief King has a full time job to supplement his income and covers a minimum of 30 hours per week at the fire house.
I don't always agree with the chief but I respect him for his passion for the EMS field, dedication to the city and fire department along with his commitment to keep firefighters safe while making changes to keep our city moving forward.
The one thing I see the city needs to eventually look into is staffing a full time Fire Chief.
The Responsibilities of a chief to keep our city safe is a full time position that compensates more than the estimated .20 cents per hour that Chief King never complains about earning.
"That is Passion"
Thank you!!
Proud Peru FireFighter
Rodney Perez
Rodney several recent comments in the blog stated that the present Chief of Police wants a position created for him which would be Chief of Public Safety in which he would be supervisor of both the Chief of Police and Chief of the Fire Dept. In this economic crunch maybe the CP should be supervisor of both departments at his present enormous salary. Presently were are you going to get the money for a full time fire chief?
No disrespect to Chief King, but were are you going to get the money for your wants and ideas?
The good old days are over the city is lucky to be able to afford whats needed.
Cassandra and Megan Keeney
It must be frustrating to accurately point out the unnecessary “name calling, labeling and slander” from “anonymous bloggers” and then be unfairly accused of criticizing Lois.
I hope “this discussion” influences and reduces the name calling and labeling without having Lois spend extra time deleting the objectionable posts.
I just wish there was an easier solution to eliminating the name calling and labeling.
Wait, how about having these people sign their name!
Lois, thank you for all your efforts in maintaining this Site.
May we all continue to improve our Posts and stay on subject.
James Grabowski
I am once again apalled to hear that our fire chief receives a salary of less than $10,000 and our recreation director receives $9500. The chief puts in roughly 30 hours/week all year long and the director works part time during the summer. His responsibilities far outnumber the directors. Whose brilliant idea was this? Salaries and responsibilities need to be re-evaluated periodically.
How many firetrucks does the PFD have at the station? How many of these trucks are used,and how often? What was the cost of these trucks when bought? Besides the Peru High Rise how many buildings in Peru are over 2 stories high? What are the ages of each of the numerous trucks? Is there a driver for each of the trucks if all are needed at one and the same time? Where does the money from the PFD's annual smoker go to and is this amount declared publicly?
Very well said Rod. Never realized a fire chief makes only that amount of salary. is he crazy? i think the city custodian makes more than that.
My comments were never meant as an attack against Lois. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am grateful for such a place to express ideas and concerns about the city of Peru. What concerned me was the nature of many of the comments being shared. My comments were directed to Lois simply because she has the final say as to what is displayed.
It is up to us to maintain integrity and respectful language to keep these discussions open and keep the ideas and opinions freely flowing. If we are unable to do so with respect and decorum, then blogs like this become nothing more than a mud slinging, social fight used to alter the readers perception of facts. That is when, in my opinion, it is the duty of the person allowing the comments to be displayed to help us get back on track. Lois is doing a great job, and running a blog is not always easy. As posters, show respect to each other. This blog, as of now, is a great example of people sharing ideas, respectfully disagreeing, and without finger pointing or blame.
For the record, I am not a member of any emergency services in the City of Peru. I am just a concerned citizen that was rather appalled at the language and behavior we were showing each other and other members of our community.
Alderman Perez - Is the compensation for the Chief and Officers listed on Liberty Fire Company's Form 990 in addition to any compensation provided by the City? I just want to know how the Chief and Officers are compensated - I don't have any current objections - just want to know.
Anybody - Why is it that the fund raising events net such a small amount of money? According to the 990 that Liberty filed in 2010 for 2009 (latest available) they brought in $52,045 with direct expenses of $40,432. That nets only $11,613 - or about a 22% profit margin. The cost of the smoker alone was $14,596, and it brought in less than $20,000.
Brian.
All payroll comes from the city and is public information. I'm not a member of Liberty but I'm sure if you ask the Chief or the President Earl Hocking they can give you that information.
But I am not in a position with Liberty to answer any of those questions for you.
Thanks,
Rodney
Lois,
Great job on the blog. Keep up the good work!
I seems that Chief King would like to have a fire based EMS System. Is this to give him self that full time job at the fire department? Is he a Paramedic? Is he qualified to run a Ambulance service when it seems with the recent information he has trouble with his own fire staff. If the fire department goes Fire\EMS should the city hire a qualified Chief. With the 5 actual fire calls in Peru a year why is a full time fire chief needed? How much tax money will be wasted a year for the low fire call volume. Is the Chief's friendship with Rodney one of reasons he is Qualified for the job. I have lived in Peru for many years. I'm all for Fire based EMS. Hopefully it could bring money back to the city. I just hope when it is done it is thought out and not just handed to a leader who can not lead.
I have alot more confidence now, knowing that Ald. Rodney is involved in making decisions that effect the Fire Department.
Why not have a full time fire/ems chief who can take on the ESDA duties without police assistance?
The City has had full time Fire Chiefs. Not sure if that is a solution? Pros and Cons of each. Because LaSalle has gone the way of full time chief and Ems it doesn't mean that it is effective or will work for Peru. LaSalle looks to be going well and most probably as a result of the leadership of the LaSalle chief. They also just got involved in the EMS field, so the discussion is incomplete. It may be something that could work as long as the TAXPAYERS will not have additional costs.
What committee is in charge of initiating yearly salaries and hourly wage reviews for city employees in Peru? What amount of input does the human resource manager play in these reviews, and when were they done and how often?
The Peru city recreation directer is presently receiving $9,500 per year but was receiving $12,500 per year until the question came up at a finance committee meeting if this position was ever reduced in salary after the swimming pool was closed. A very good question since the major responsibility of this job was the swimming pool. So all of a sudden the position took a hit of approximately 25% in pay.
If anyone is shocked to hear that the fire chief
receives less than $10,000 per year how shocked are they to read in the blog to what extent the present chief went to get the position?
Now lets get down to some real money, I mean real money. I am sure in the next election that at least 50% of all qualified people in Peru will be running for the Peru city treasurer position. After all it pays between $5,000 to $6,000 per year. This grandiose sum is approximately 6% of the Chief of Polices salary and 6.3% of the Superintendent of Public Works. So far only pay has been discussed would anyone care to come forward with fringe benefits and their cost? To give all a clue to how attractive city benefits are the city building inspector wanted his job to be increased to full time from part time at $28.00 /hour because of them.
I think it's appalling that we as a city pay someone a pitance (the treasurer) for the extreme amount of work he does and others way more than they are worth .
from anom 1123"LaSalle looks to be going well and most probably as a result of the leadership of the LaSalle chief." The city of Lasalle has the highest turnover rate of any EMS group in the IVCH system. They have the Paramedics with the least amount of experience. Most of there Medics are right out of the class. The Lasalle Fire chief also stated he would never do transfers for extra cash. Yet he pulls his only crew out of service for the transfers from the Lasalle Nursing home. But do not worry Mr. Lasalle Fire Chief can talk your ear off until you believe him that way he can be a full time fire Chief. Thank you for your time.
All those positions had knowledge of the pay prior to taking the job. All pay is public record and you can look up and make judgements on their value. The benefits are outlined in the 5 collective barganing agreements the city has in place. Elected positions like the City Clerk, Treasurer, Fire Chief, Mayor, Alderman, are not required to perform any scheduled hours for employment. It is their choice, unlike the city workforce that has stated hours of employment.
1:56 PM
How can you judge the turnover rate of a service (La Salle) that has only been in existence just about 6 months against those who have years and years of experience. BTW I hear the same thing about PVAS. By the IVCH system you mean what? I'm aware that many and could be as much as 40 % of the calls go to SMH in Spring Valley.
And I would like to say that the 40% of calls that go to Spring Valley are from Peru, La Salle and Oglesby combined.
Anon 2:07 pm...the fire chief position is now an "elected position"? Don't remember seeing that on my ballot? I believe he was most likely appointed by the mayor. Oh...and by the way...if u wanted to see a fire chief that put in ALOT of time...I believe those days ended when Gary E. was removed from that position. Thanks Gary for all that you did!! Our current fire chief is too busy with his full-time job to worry about the city of Peru. His officers cover his back...and he knows it, and they know it. Welcome to Peru folks...that's the way we do business.
It is sad that Gary did all the work for free and this new fire chief just wants to be paid. Sad for the town of Peru.
Stated hours of employment without a time clock. Who keeps track of the time of part time employees in the Peru such as the building inspector?
8:51PM
No one is watching the inspector and I believe he is so far behind he will not be able to ever catch up. A better question would be what would the Mayor do if he ever found out how far behind he is in his work that needs to be done?
6:11PM
Chief King is salaried in a part time job. Since 40 hrs is standard for a full time job and he puts in 30 hours, he is putting in more hours than he is getting paid for. This is a well known fact.
I don't think I have seen Chief King state on here that he is looking for more money. I'm not sure but I believe he is qualified for his position and the fire dept has much more than 5 calls per year. Regardless of whether there is a huge house/business fire, they are called for smoke investigations, smaller fires, CO calls, accidents, etc... It also takes more time than just the calls because we want our firemen safe and so they need to have training etc... Finally, I completely believe Rodney has a good heart and the citizens best with every thought or decision he makes and to elude differently is ridiculous in my opinion.
How is the PFD, Chief selected and for how long a term? Being that the PFD Chief is paid a salary by the city what responsibilities do the city representatives have in managing the actions of the Chief and the fire dept. who the city also pays. What action has the govt. of the city taken so far? Why has a alderman who is on the fire dept. and been active in the fire dept. been chosen to be one of the two alderman on the public health and safety committee when there were six others to select from. The fire dept appears to be a group which wants to keep their actions internal, yet a city govt official is now representing both fronts? Too be fair to himself and both groups he should resign from this committee to be replaced by a impartial alderman and reassigned to a different committee. This is not a determination of his intentions but only a sound business decision. This committee , even if he himself asked to be appointed to it, is a conflict of interest and the Mayor should have been advised by the city attorney not to make this appointment. After all the inappropriateness of the appointment has only taken four months to become evident.
Anon 5:33 I personally have no issues with the alderman being appointed to a committee that over see's the safety of Peru. I personally made contact with the Alderman in regards to getting cross walks re-painted, within 2 weeks this past summer my husband and I were driving through town and found many that were faded then re-painted.
In many discussions I have had with Alderman Perez I find him to be only fair, and watches out for the best interest and safety of the city.
For him to be a firefighter and serve on a safety committee that also involves issues with the fire department should not be a conflict unless it involves pay raises. Then I feel the Alderman should abstain from, which even if the Alderman was not on the committee and a pay raise arose for the fire department the alderman should still abstain.
I would much rather see aldermen be appointed to committees where they may have a field of expertise or an interest in.
I agree with the 9:37 post. We elect our officials and should trust that they would not make choices to benefit a certain individual or organization. Anything passed by the council has to be approved by the majority anyway.
Look at the mayor,People speculate that because he wants to fix the roads that it is to just put union workers back to work and keep their pockets fat. I tend to disagree. If it is true about 5-6 council members are members of the CSO Does the 5:33 poster see that as a conflict?
And what about council members like Potthoff, Ankeiwitcz being on the Ambulance Board. is that a conflict in the eyes of the 5:33 poster?
And to the 5:33 poster....Wouldnt of there been 7 others for the mayor to choose from? because you stated 6.
I cintinue to see that Perez is targeted by others that is clear on some of the comments I see. They pick out Perez but don't consider other factors that are related but involve other council members. Perhaps Perez is targeted because he is rattling up the cages of one's that at one time had all the control and now see it slowly vanishing.
Anon 1:24 PM 25% of the Peru City Council has not been elected. Two out of eight council members have been appointed by the Mayor. Do you honestly believe that the Mayor would use these appointments to appoint someone who would vote against his wishes.
Mayor Harl recently attended meetings in Wahington D.C. What the topics of these meetings were would be pure speculation as he never brought back any briefing to the general public (his constituents). Do you feel that he would have been included in these meeting if he was not Mayor? Last Thursday a speech was presented by President Obama of a bill which has not been presented to congress yet but hethat he wants to have passed immediately. Does this entire program remind you of the sales tax increase in Peru. The Mayor said he wanted the sales tax passed to put it into effect ASAP, that there was not time to give the people an opportunity to vote on it through the proper methods of a referendum, and that it was legal to bring this to the council and pass it without a referendum because we are governed by Home Rule. He after a council vote of 4-4 proceeded to determine by his tie breaking vote to increase the sales tax. This vote had the power of every voter who lives in the City of Peru.
1:24 P.M. What makes you believe that council members belonging to the CSO creates a conflict? What makes you feel that a council member or a elected administrator should not belong to the CSO? Did you read the recent correspondence from Alderman Perez in the LaSalle Peru Tribunes open form?
The CSO and PVAS have become no more than a political football by those who want to complain but never come directly forward publicly to those who would have to make a final decision on both topics.
Eight council members minus Alderman Ferrari who has already been appointed and Alderman Perez whom the conflict of interest subject is about leaves six others to choose from.
From the recent open form written by Alderman Perez which has already been mentioned I don't see him rattling any ones cage.
If it is questionable for Aldermen to be members of the Peru CSO or on the Ambulance Board wouldn't it also be questionable for council members to be on the Friends for Peru Pool Fund Raising Committee?
It has been mentioned that there will be a sale of Veterans Pool equipment to raise funds. When and where will this sale be and how does one go about getting a list and description of the items available. Being city property when is the city council going to vote if they are going to allow the swimming pool equipment to be sold and what particular items are to be sold?
7:00 PM
As I have been reading through these posts, one thing keeps going through my mind. TERM LIMITS - 2 terms and it is time for someone else. That is the best way to clean house and keep new ideas coming in and keep old alliances from remaining.
As I read through these posts I keep seeing questions regarding the POOL EQUIPMENT going up for sale. CAN ANYONE PLEASE RESPOND AND TELL US WHEN AND WHERE AND WHAT IS BEING SOLD???? PLEASE!!!
What progress has been made in redistricting the city wards? This is a subject that has already been presented to the council and is a law. Being a law does not seem to make much difference in Peru since someone who is supposed to enforce the law feels he can pick and choose.
Anon Sept. 11 7:00pm You need to read the article in the News Trib August 6, 2010. It reads, Harl is adamant about using a ballot question to get public opinion. "Employ the democratic process,"he said. It's a wonderful process and it works."
I'm not sure why the pool contents questions continue to go unanswered, other than there's not much to tell. Then again, I'm not sure who is actually supposed to answer the questions. I have been involved with Friends for Peru Pool Committee for the past few months. I may be speaking out of turn since I'm not a city official nor am I on the Park & Rec board and I have no authority regarding the pool equipment, but I see no reason why I can't share what simple facts I know to help those inquiring about pool items on this blog. I participated in the clean-up effort a few Saturday's ago and truly, there's very little of value unless you own/manage a large public pool and would be interested in used equipment: diving/spring boards (2 or 3 of them), the lifeguard chairs, the mushroom waterfall in the baby pool, and some ropes & pool ladders. There are several plastic chairs and chaise lounges from the pool deck (being housed in the showerhouse), some life saving belts & youth kickboards, two bicycle racks, and well, that about sums it up folks. Oh there's a ladder or two, some old painting supplies, a sheppard's crook, and rubber floor mats from the slippery shower-house floors. There is an old refrigerator and microwave that will be transplanted to another department, which in my opinion makes perfect sense. Two defibrillators were also distributed amongst existing departments. On clean up day I created a junk pile and into I tossed: broken chairs, a broken umbrella or two, a few lifesaving belts that had seen better days, styrofoam water noodles, and some dilapidated garbage cans. Wire baskets - now those are the nostalgic items that I can see some folks wanting. The FFPP committee is having a beer & wine tasting event at the Peru Eagles on Sept. 24th and there will be some of the baskets "filled" with themed/donated items for a silent auction. We also took 3-5ft. sections of wooden benches from the shower room to Parkside School and the art teacher & students are painting them and I believe they too may be part of the silent auction, but don't quote me on that. I know of no actual auction for the used items other than folks can mail their interest (in items) to City Hall. I did not go down below nor into the snack shack, but I don't believe there's anything of value in either place, other than two freezers that have been divided amongst the concession stands at Veteran's Park and Washington Park. There's honestly not much there that many people would have any use for. But that didn't surprise me...I was a lifeguard there 25 years ago and I don't recall anything of real value back then. It sure hadn't changed much over the years. I hope that helps.
7:33 I wouldn't see a difference in all of that as long as the organizations were created equal. Meaning....I have never attended a pool committee meeting but was just told when I researched it just now that I was more than welcome to attend. Being a single mother of two it may be hard to attend many. I also inquired if the funds raised were public knowledge and was told everything is recorded with the City.
With that said I am now inquiring if the PVAS and the CSO has an open invitation for the public to attend meetings "including women" and, are the financial books open to the public?
I really don't know anyone on either the CSO or the PVAS to ask these questions of. Could someone help answer these questions.
In my oppinion if all three of these organizations have nothing to hide and are open to the public then I feel Aldermen, Mayor's should have the freedom to join without conflict.
Anonymous 6;21 Great point! Anyway to answer your questions: Women are not allowed at CSO meetings or functions and NO, they do not share there financial information.
PVAS does not have open meetings neither do they share their financials with the public.
Sounds like allot of hidden agendas with the CSO and PVAS Board members.
Sure sounds to me that out of the 3 that Poster 7:33 had questions about.. the Pool committee is the only organization I would feel comfortable with city officials being a part of.
after all, They are putting all their money into the city pot and not into the hands of whoever.
9:13 PM
I am going to throw my 2 cents into this discussion . My information is not recent but about 2 years ago I asked then Ald. Mikyska when the ambulance board met and he said at that time it was at 5 PM on the same Monday that the Peru council met. My next question was "can I come". He said sure I could. I do believe since we partially support PVAS with $4000 per month and since elected officials are sitting on the board that I believe citizens of the city have the right to go to the meetings. Jonathan Brandt is their atty and would have a definite answer on going to the ambulance board mtg.
Megan, thank you for your response. I believe some of the bloggers are still questioning the whereabouts of some of the larger equipment and mechanical items too. Was a pool heater installed years ago? Is it still there? Were there any compressors and pumps in the building? Were there maintenance tools and a significant amount of supplies scattered around the back room? Were all those items transferred to another department in the City? I think we are looking for the location and/or disposition of the larger and valuable tools/equipment.
OK, larger equipment/mechanical items - I'll do my best given the inventory sheet I used to check/balance on clean-up day: a heater is being moved to the park/rec building (I'm assuming it's more or less a space heater suspended from a ceiling), a vacuum/pool cleaner was sold to the YMCA, a popcorn machine is being saved to be used for "Movies in the Park" events, a large/plastic storage bin is being given to Arts & Crafts, there is a tool box with tools (I don't have specifics - but I saw basic hand held/manual tools), there is an air compressor on the list, and a heater (no further description available. I did not see it so I am assuming it was down on the lower level), a PH base meter, two sets of cement steps, there is a dolly (standard upright, two wheels), there's a bucket with a mop squeezer, and a few buckets of pool chemicals. The list does indicate the following items as missing: Pool chemicals that were intended to be sold to YMCA (no further description available), the PA system, and 8 orange cones.
Fire-based EMS does not work!! Go look around and research the various EMS delivery models and you will see it is NOT the most effective.
Hmmm....even the city of Rockford is privatizing its EMS because it will save taxpayers money. The only ones to blame for that decision is the fire department and more specifically the fire union.
Kansas City....they went fire based and now the research is showing an increase in response times, a decrease in cardiac arrest saves, and a decrease in skills percentages. They are now looking at going back to a public utility model like they had before.
Indianapolis...they merged Wishard Hospital EMS and the City EMS to form Indianapolis EMS..a third city service!! They are a true model of efficiency and service. Louisville...same thing..became a combination city/county third service.
Let's look at Quincy, IL....Adams County EMS...one of the most professional "third services" around...only EMS. Carbondale...Jackson County EMS...same thing.
The point is...I don't why Brian Foster thinks he's an expert, and just because he was in the Navy doesn't make him a safety/security exptert. Heck...he doesn't even understand what the profession of EMS is.
EMS encompasses not only emergencies, but non-emergencies. It's inustrial EMS, tactical EMS, special events, critical care transfers, dispatch, ER, etc...
Brian and all others that belittle "transfers"...tell that family whose loved one is being sent by ground to Peoria, Joliet, Chicago, or the Quad Cities for an emergency procedure that their loved ones are considered "emergencies". Sending that chest pain patient to a cath lab is indeed an EMERGENCY, and many times it goes by ground because a helicopter is not available or can't fly due to weather. Fire EMS does not take care of these emergencies, but public utility models, non-profits, and third service agencies do because they are EMS!!!
I see talk about LaSalle...funny....their Chief isn't a paramedic, never been a paramedic, and only wants EMS so he can be like his brother who's the deputy chief of a busy suburban FD. The contract company will cost the LaSalle taxpayers much more in the long run that PVAS did or ever would. The contract company is in it for the profit...and they can't be faulted for that. The point is...the LaSalle Fire Chief is nowhere near qualified to run an EMS agency as most EMS Chiefs are not qualified to run a FD.
They each have their specialties. The LaSalle Chief has done a great job building a solid FD...but stay in that lane...don't branch off into something you're not qualified to do.
I agree...PVAS has horrible management. There is no transparency,and it's been a corrupt organization. PVAS can be fixed and it can be a model for others to follow, but it won't change until the current board is replaced with citizens from the community, and the director is fired. A true non-profit ambulance service should be giving more info to the municipalities it serves and it should not hide anything. It is very common for non-profit models to get a tax subsidy from the municipalities they serve, but in return they show what they've accomplished.
I would encourage readers, or Lois, to file a FOIA request with the IL Attorney General's office on financial records for PVAS. They are to be audited yearly and those audit results turned over the IL AG office. This may help shed some light on the financial situation of PVAS.
Please...I just ask that everyone stop bashing PVAS as a whole. They have strong EMT's and Medics that I as a citizen do trust with my live. I can't blame the rank and file for the poor leadership they've been given. The staff tries, and they need to be thanked and not chastized. Stand behind them and help them get leadership.
6:54PM is a duplicate posting, also under the fire ems video.
I have responded to the post under that topic and would like to add this. As far as I know the cities of Ottawa, Princeton and Mendota have successfuly implemented a FD/EMS service.
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