To: All Fire Department Personnel Date: 11/19/14
From: Chief King
Subject: Promotion’s
I am pleased to announce the following promotions. Please help welcome them to their new positions and work with them to help them all succeed. This was publicly posted on the Fire Dept. FB page for the public to see.
Chief Jeff King C-1
Deputy Chief Jim Duncan C-2
Asst. Chief Jeff Camenisch 305
Asst. Chief Todd Haegele 306
Captain Jake Urbanc 307
Captain Nick Biagioni 308
Lt. Ryan Rynkewicz 309
Lt. Earl Hocking 310
Lt. Bill Krolak 334
Lt. Rob Ankiewicz 335
PIO Dennis Lemmer 331
Public Ed Rod Perez 346
I notice some missing names on this list. I may not post all of your comments, so be straight forward with them and avoid derogatory name calling.
ACCEPTING NO MORE COMMENTS ON PERU FIRE DEPARTMENT
CONDOLENCES TO THE RUSS REED FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THEIR LOSS OF A WELL LOVED FORMER PERU FIRE CHIEF.
72 comments:
off topic. I just saw the barricades in the parking lot of the shopping center in the old wally world building. It is about time! Now they need to make the other entrance on the west side ENTER ONLY and force the traffic out and to the North-west loop to Peoria Street. Can't wait to hear the cries from the yokels that just can't get it through their thick skull that it is faster to go around that direction than sit at a 4-Way stop sign while the wavers wave and the cell phone talkers talk.
How many firemen are on the fire dept. It must be much larger than prevous manpower announced or recent picture in the paper as there are a total of 10 firemen with officers titles. I see one officer who is also a member of the police force and is hired by the city to do work on vehicles. Nothing personal but this is not good business management. Peru has a C,PPD doing it all, a C,PFD doing it all and now a Lt. doing it all nowhere in the nursery rhymes have I read where the Butcher is the baker, the baker is the banker, the banker is the undertaker. The success of this country is a huge middle class. Why do city officials promote a few hogging it all in a high unemployment locality? It surely cannot be for the sake of maximum efficiency. I do not expect those who practice such unfair procedures to be fair in the performance of their occupations.
The member of the PPD, PFD, independent electrical service for PPD was promoted to Captain, not Lt. of the PFD. Isn't one of the individuals promoted to Lt. Of the PFD already a city employee of the electrical department? How many hours do these city employees have in the same day?
When does it become evident that the Peru Fire Dpartment is a poster child of all Chiefs, no Indians. Appears that one member of the fire dept who comes from a long line of father and brothers who have served may be the only member without a commission.
Interesting choices . to say the least .
Thanks Lois, now I will check the fire departments Facebook page to see the amount of money that has been donated to Liberty Fire Company which is a organization for our fire department to raise money for our department. Maybe we all might see what the money has been spent on in the last 5 years also, due to all the questions that have arisen over the years. Wonder why so many titles listed? Could this be because of many different appointed positions that the Mayor gave to our fire chief? Hummm.
when you compare that list with the roster on the website from the link on facebook page , that's more than half the department as officers . Alittle bit of bloated head syndrome going on over there? Some of these guys are pretty green too !
So how many members are on the department. How are these positions determined? Who held these positions previously? How long are the promotions in effect?
What other town around Peru's size has or needs 4 chiefs ? That's a lot of payroll for one house fire a year !
WWGD
When a firemen is awarded a title such as Cpt. or Lt. does this mean they have also been granted a increase in pay grade? What is the criteria for a promotion and what limitations are there for each slot, such as a maximum of 1 Cpt., 2 Lts. on the force at one time? Or 1 Lt. for every 25 firemen, 1 Cpt. for every 50 firemen? It seems peculiar that some firemen are not mentioned that have been on the fire department before those who were promoted were born. This is a good example of don't burn any briges behind you.
This has to be a joke!!!
One of the captains isn't even certified firefighter...Shady at best! Conflict of interest for sure.
I'm embarrassed by this. Maybe Chief King will need another expensive pickup truck that sits by the station and does nothing with the plow that doesn't do anything also.
I want a refund! If you want to be taken seriously you need to get serious.
How does one become a Lt or Capt.? Is it based on training? Longevity? Who's makes the decision of who gets a title? Is it voted on?
Why don't the other two full time engineers have a title? What does a lieutenant do compared to a captain compared to an asst chief compared to chief?
Peru has a mostly volunteer fire department except for the full time engineers. Considering that, I don't believe there is anything in any ordinance that forbids anyone in another city department (police, public works, or elected officials as mayor, treasurer, city clerk or alderman) from becoming a volunteer fireman in the fire department. One volunteer was dismissed earlier this year and the reasons will not be discussed on this blog. Too many trucks is a valid topic. As many of you know and the dept. heads are also aware, that I don't like the current situation as it is being managed but the mayor is in total control of this situation with the aid of the city council. So if you are also dissatisfied express that opinion at the ballot box in April when 4 aldermen will be up for election. Question those running and find out where they stand and then vote. That is the only way you can get change.
Lois our firefighters are not volunteers, volunteers are volunteers. Peru fireman are paid on call firefighters different situation.
Now I agree the use of the white truck has turned into a cluster and total mistake of cash. Also the purchase of the old rescue truck was waste.
This department is just an another example of city waste I will not vote for a single incumbent because they don't have guts to stand up to king including Perez because he votes abstain or present. We need to swing the vote
I find it interesting that the captain your discussing just took a role of leadership in the democratic party, maybe that was thank you for playing promo
Why would you promote two probationary fireman to officer spots to Be in charge of state certified fireman ? Doesn't seem right . Probably a lot of upset fireman . Oh wait more than half got promotions , good way to keep the majority happy and kissing your butts .
Letter in the open forum today from Peru residents regarding sink hole at the curb in front of their home. The letter is well written and the home owners seem to have a legitimate complaint. My only hope is that we will forget this issue by the time the election rolls around in April. I know we all expect Lois to do all the work, but Lois could you please remember to put this back on in the spring. It is crucial that the voters be reminded of this treatment to the citizens of Peru, because it could be anyone of us that live in the city that could face this problem! And who do you turn to when those you elect will not help.
Where's alderman Perez in this? Oh that's right he will have to abstain...
Get real probation fireman is an officer wonder why people think Peru fd is joke!!!
We kicked your new captain off of our department because he refused to come to training because he knows it all already . I'm pretty sure you need to be FFII also to be an officer , NFPA standard. But you guys in Peru make your own rules up as you go along !
2:41 PM whose comment is not on the blog and I really would like to post as many believe as you do including me. But your post would be attributed to me. Again I will repeat the answer to all of this is at the ballot box and in 2 years a mayor who will stand up for all of us and not only his favorite people. Share your thoughts with friends and family and tell them to do the same. Peru can really be at a turning point in a few years with strong people turning out to run for office and be willing to do what needs to be done. I hope you understand. Your post will remain in my files, if you don't mind.
12:39 says it all!
2 fireman on probation are now Officers?WoW!
If I join can I become Chief too in 6 months? Lmao
Welcome to Peru! Where anyone can be an Fire Officer!
I'm sure the firefighters union would have something to say about a union police officer doing firefighter duties while getting paid as a patrolman. The taxpayers will probly have a problem with it too !
you know, if Peru and LaSalle where to finally merge - we would have the tax base to support one FULL TIME and PROFESSIONAL fire department.
3:46, that is how the local Democrat Party rolls. Good things happen to you once they let you in the club. Government employees are well represented in the Central Committee of the LaSalle County Democrats.
Why did you stop posting ?
The political parties roll in identical paths. The only difference between the two is the parties name.
Sadly the political parties have operated with full intention of doing what is best for the party rather than what is best for America. The political personalities of the Democrats and Republicans and party direction has filitered throughout the national, state, and local localities and is in need of compromise.
Grade school children strive for teamwork, politicians strive for the party. The major problem in Peru is that politics has become involved in departments and leadership in which it has no room for to be a success. The previous sentence appears to be very general but in reality it has become specific. How could it be anything else when very few manage all?
8:29, I agree with you in general. However, at the National Level, the Republican party desires smaller and limited government while the Democrat Party desires a strong and controlling central government. Locally, there is no difference between the LaSalle County Democrats and their Republican counterparts. They both use local government to filter money to their cronies. Never a thought about what is best for the taxpayer. Our local government officials from the School Boards to the County Board believe in one thing and one thing only - spend all the money they can and then ask for more.
Anon 9:59 AM I am 8::29 and I believe you have voiced a excellent point at the National Level. Would you please express your opinion about the two parties approach to the International level. Present at most levels of domestic government I believe we are way, way overloaded with government and are searching for a clue to organize where we belong in the world plan. Military wise I do not care for our approach of going into countries and than leaving the countries as we have. We are loing respect of other countries and in most that we have occupied we are hated when we are there and after we leave.
Im not surprised by any o fthis coming fom our fire chief. He uses his postion with the fire department to get what he wants! Like hiring young men to get closer to thier mother for personal reasons! Yes, i know of someone this happend to! I would call this abuse of power!
2:20, that is NOT a nice thing to say.
Anon 2:20 PM If this statement has any truth to it PFD has the start of a city investigation. Although it has been proven that a investigation in Peru has very little meaning no matter who conducts it and who it is of. First one is going to have to know what organizations involved have the most power and what side they are on. I sincerely doubt if very many in Peru really know what side of the bacon is fried as most of the decision making was done out of town.
When your on the wall fighting fire for residents in the city, you need structure and you need solid commanders in charge. You need people you can trust to get the job done. Someone has to hold the hose and someone has to drive the truck and someone has to tell others where to point the hose.
Those who object to those in charge have a choice. Either hold the hose or stand in front of the firing squad. 2:20, 3:26, 10:24, etc..its your call!
@2:30. A very direct comment from what you stated. After reading your comment it seems to reason that this could have validity and you would be able to verify your comment if needed with paperwork or witnesses. The truth eventually comes out in a community the size of Peru. This would be an abuse of power with a city position due to the fact it's our tax dollars being used.
11:37, International is beyond the scope for this forum. However, I take the Libertarian viewpoint on the topic. Time for the Europeans to step up to the plate and "make the world safe."
Why wouldn't it be a nice thing to say 2:27 if it is true? I will say that I myself heard this from a very very reliable source and there is confirmation of it. On many topic headings on this forum since it's existence any time there is something with negativity, many people don't want to believe it or take it serious, or says it's rumors or gossip. People need to wake up sometimes and realize there could be truth. If ever an investigation would insue, more then likely it could be verified. This blog site is absolutely the best avenue to get true information regarding the city. Thanks to Mrs. Carroll and to those who participate and share their knowledge and concerns and facts.
Personal vendatives along with proper operating procedures isn't how this city should be conducting business in any department.
Anon 9:13 I suspect you meant personal vendatives along with inproper operating procedures. By now most are aware who is responsible but are unaware what to do about it.
A city manager has been suggested but those who have been and those who are in power will never permit this to happen.
Once again some wards will have more than one excellent candidate in the race for alderman and other wards will have none. A method to overcome this situation was proposed but voted down with the leadership of life term city officials. One of the hardest things to achieve in Peru is change.
Change will not take place until enough people become politicaly interested in their city. It is the same throughout the country the only difference in some places people are trying to do something about it.
Any truth to public tax money being used for "safety committee" drunk fest at verruchhis this last month?
Using the Amex to hide those alcohol charges?
Who is in charge of safety committee?
You are correct 11:22. I submitted my comment before proofreading my comment. Thank you for correcting my mistake.
Probationary fireman have no right in an officers position. Period ! Peru Fire Department you are truly the laughing stock of the fire fighting community now ! How are us other departments supposed to have faith in you ? You have so many issues over there any more . I've talked to a lot of other department members around the area and this is just unbelievable!
We don't need to go over the top with the theatrical comments. We have a good fire department for what it is. As a community, we need to come to the realization that we have outgrown the "paid on call" system of part time fire fighters that has served us well up until now. If Peru want's to expand - particularly in the industrial sector (which is needed to provide good jobs) then a full time professional fire department is necessary. No getting around it - tax rates will need to be adjusted to fund a full time department and cuts will be needed in other areas. But it is crucial that we have a fire department capable of responding to major calamity in an industrial setting - such as a chemical plant.
1:16 PM
In order to have a full time professional department, they would have to have other duties integrated into the FD, such as Ottawa and LaSalle. Both of those cities have the ambulance service and fire department staffed by many of the same people. I hate to say this but it will be a cold day in H___ for that to ever happen in Peru. So it may be that past habits, and ways of doing business will keep that from being considered and will keep large corporations from considering locating here. Peru will remain a volunteer department except for the engineers and the ambulance will remain a not for profit with the monthly assistance of $5500 per month from the city.
And since we do not desire to even consider a professional city manager to put this city on the right track, Peru will remain Peru.
For long time Peru residents, does this remind you of the time when People's Hospital and St Mary's of La Salle had an opportunity to be one large community hospital and supposedly the land was already available to them somewhere in the Rte 80 vicinity. I don't know details but it did not happen. Rather ironic that the situation did not change only the players as now it is IVCH and St Margaret's with a large number of our residents leaving the city for treatment and possibly works in reverse with Bureau Cty cities also. I don't know if anyone keeps statistics on this happening. For now, it is the free market at work.
12:18 you are not a fire fighter so stop posing as one. No real fire fighter would come on here and say something like this and if you don't understand that, then you are not a firefighter. If you are, please share which department that is so superior to our fine department in Peru.
How long before IVCH is taken over by OSF? I heard they are making cuts left and right and will not invest in new equipment.
Concerning the PFD and other aspects of Peru becoming a modern city - I think it will take another ten years or so before the herd is thinned out enough. Luckily - most of the movers and shakers that have been running Peru for the last umpteen years have held such a tight grip that none of their kids have an interest and have moved on. It will take time, but nature will prevail and one way or another fresh blood will be introduced. I only hope we have the time.
The push for a full time fire department has been talked about for many years. I'd like to say that with a population of 10,000 we don't even come close to to needing one. The only reason this would be pushed is for gratification to give full time jobs with BENEFITS TO SELECTED PEOPLE. SEVERAL DAYS CAN GO BY WITHOUT EVEN HAVING A FIRE CALL. Wasn't it mentioned on here that most fire calls are car. accidents? Don't forget there is MABAS, WHICH IS A MUTUAL AID FROM SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. ALSO, DON'T FULL TIME FIREMAN HAVE DEGREES IN FIRE SCIENCE, ETC...? How many of our volunteer paid per call would even qualify? HOW MANY IF ANY HAVE DEGREES NOW? THE FD USE TO HAVE THIS INFOMATION ON A WEDSITE. Consideration of a full time fire department is a waste of money.
3:52, we should not base the need on the population. The need should be based on the type and value of property. At some point in time, the retailers will strongly request, if not demand, a fire station closer to the shopping area. At the same time, if we want to attract more industrial operations, we will need to be able to fight fires in that environment.
If it was only for residential purposes I would agree. But there is a greater need for the protection of business and industry.
A full time fire department will be extremely expensive. That is why we must pool our resources and partner with LaSalle and Oglesby to fund such a department.
@3:52. Using your logic, we would need to recruit our new firefighters from outside the area. I agree with 4:35. The purpose of the FD is not necessarily for the residential properties.
Who would want to move to this area? The city can't even figure out how to finance a swimming pool for goodness sakes. Let alone a full time fire department. Bars, benefits and gambling is the entertainment in the illinois valley. Now, that's an incentive to locate to the illinois valley.
7:22, the full time Fire Department is only one of dozens of things that need to be done. But there needs to be a starting point. You can't just throw up your hands and say we have to many bars and no swimming pool so its not worth doing anything else. Your comment is not constructive and adds very little to the conversation other than an example of the shortsightedness within the population of the Illinois Valley.
It is my firm belief that two things must be done before Peru can move forward.
First - get rid of this dysfunctional government and replace it with the Council / Manager format.
Second - Create a "Master Plan." Our council doesn't like that idea. They think it is inflexible. If it is done correctly they are plenty flexible. So, this needs to be done ASAP. Otherwise we will continue to rehash the same topics over and over.
To 10:21 AM, Well said and so true!
Council/Manager governemnt in Peru will be the first step to taking the political influence out of Harl's corrupting influence. It woill be so refreshing to see important decisions by a professional with only the best interests of the city as a whole in mind. As opposed to the way it is now with every deicion being based on politics and made behind closed doors by the "committee in a hole".
10:21 You need to get out a petition to change to a council/manager format. Peru has a full-time fire department, at least they have full-time employees and sleeping quarters.
Dysfunctional government as a result of the fire chief naming a few officer positions? What are these behind closed door decisions? Fire Chief naming a few officers? This is hysterical. A manager form won't change that, this is what a fire chief does. He places those in position according to their skill set.
11:56 AM
Does this come down to 4 full time employees but only one of the 4 is on duty at one time? That would be a poor excuse for a full time fire dept, IMO.
He drives a fire engine to the fire and the paid volunteers can or do not have to respond because they are volunteers.
The council could also enact the Council-Manager format. It does not have to be through a public ballot.
Today was perfect example 3 Peru firefighters...that's it the rest had to come from surrounding towns
Seems a little bit of a mess to me
What are the total number of firemen on the PFD?
Maybe the local establishments were full. SOP, standard operating procedures is that, one isn't suppose to attend a fire call if they've had been drinking. Which is good. I said "not suppose to."
The total number is dwindling because of poor management as stated several times before .
The fire chief promoted due to skill level ? What pipe are you smoking from ? Probationary fireman as officers ? Take another puff !
5:36, was the fire chief at the fire call? Please answer so I can comment on your answer.
That is fine, that other departments assist on fire calls. Probably saves us a million a year if not more, in not having a full time department. Vise versa for other towns. Who wants to use taxpayers money to have employees play cards, sleep, be surfing on the web, or whatever else. Population 10,000 people, extremely high percentage of fire calls are auto accidents previously reported to us I believe in a newspaper article a while back. Nice that departments help each other out when needed.
8:37 PM
The Chief was at the fire today.
8:51 PM
Not a good idea as if they are busy or unavailable who is going to fight the fire? We should expect a certain percentage of reliable always there firemen in our own city. Maybe we should ask how often Peru is asked to come to other cities or are they able to take care of fires on their own. Excluding the ones involved in Autoaid.
One full time firefighter costs the city , with pay , overtime and benefits , work comp. , utilities used while in their quarters , and such , approx. $150,000 to $200,000 a year . we have four which is plenty . and to be a fully staffed department you would need 12-16 total fireman . Who's gonna pay for that for them to sit at station all day ? I don't want to pay more taxes for such foolishness .
3:33, it will be required if we want Peru to make the next leap. Otherwise, our city will never be more than the little backwater town it is.
Let's see how many fire calls there have been each year for the previous 5 years and what type of fire calls they were. And how many days between each call where there weren't any fire calls at all. For example, carbon monoxide calls regarding where a call came in because the monitor was beeping due to a low battery needing to be replaced. How many fireman show up for this type of a call and get paid $34 to just show up? Mutual aid with other surrounding communities helps to alleviate the cost of a full time department. We're a town of 10,000 people. Give us statistics of areas with a full time fire department with a population size of peru. I haven't heard of any large company's wanting to locate to Peru? Correct? Wanting one, needing one ate two different stories. Wasn't this shut down in Baker's mayorship?
Anon 7:18, where are you coming from calling our city a backwater town, Peru is far from that. If that is the way you feel why are you still living here, if you really do.
No Peru is not a backwater town, in fact, it in itself has to be considered a overachiever.
The political leadership of Peru is the source of the reference. Presently being as backwater as it is it reflects upon the town giving it this image.
Considering the direction which Peru is being presently driven many who live here are no longer doing such by choice. In a town which has a lack of jobs and poor economic growth you are seeing many more "for sale" signs than ever before. This is a indication that people no longer want to live here and the amount of time that these signs are present indicates no one is breaking down the "buyers market" to get here.
Peru will continue to possess this backwater image until the day that its citizenship becomes aware of and votes out its very restrictive political cliques.
no. the entire Illinois Valley, or should I say "Starved Rock Country" is backwater.
8:55 PM
You can say that but it certainly is not true. More like an area at the crossroads and cities have choices. Some are making the right ones and others seem to be hesitating and unsure about what is important in the long run.
Lois, I am sure you mean 6:55 PM rather than 8:55 PM. It has been a busy week and I am sure all of us are tired out.
11:03 PM
Correction accepted.
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