Saturday, October 22, 2011
Peru Halloween Parade
Today the Halloween parade was held in Peru but no Fire Truck in the parade. Doesn't this ask the question why? They were not at a fire call and evidently no one had volunteered time to travel in the parade. Along that line, did you get your request from Liberty Fire today. I did.
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46 comments:
What are you referring to by letter and Liberty? What does this have to do with a parade?
Not sure of all that went on, but isn't Peru a Volunteer on call fire department?
No one should be forced to volunteer for extra events. The volunteer part would most likely mean that for the little money they get paid, if any..... is volunteer. City FF are full time and very well compensated by the city therefore while on duty they would do extra events like this.
Yes the full time firefighters get paid and should be doing this as a show of support for the community. But there are also part-time city firefighters that could also show support for the community and be involved in this also. Seems like lately every time us see the fire dept out at a function such as this, I only see Rodney Perez and no other firemen.
Actually it has been the poc's that do more of the volunteer work.
They got the full timers permission to leave the station so they could go home for lunch,see a child's game or school event. Why cant they do this if we are paying them(city taxes)instead of sitting at the computer or watching tv at the station?
Hey 10:13 maybe Rodney Perez is sick of being the only fireman doing those things and left the kids standing alone to walk down the streets. Maybe this was a firefighters trick with no treats?
perhaps the city should start calling Lasalle and Springvalley to help with these things if Peru firemen are to busy.
I just heard that the reason why the FD didn't show up was because they were not aware of the parade? HUH!!!!! I drove past their station today and on the FD sign outside of their station displays the advertisement of the parade at 2:00 someone is telling stories,
hmm , sounds like the accusations made by a few firefighters and the letters sent to the city saying there are problems , maybe have some truth to them . You think the council and Mayor are going to ignore this ? Anyone in the council meetings would've known of the parade . And the sign is on the display board outside the station . The fire department has been in every Halloween Parade way back when they used to be at Washington Park , 30+ years as long as I can remember . As in the earlier post "Troubles in RiverCity " states , maybe the Recreation Board never made a monetary donation to Liberty so thats why they didnt send a truck ! Or maybe they DID chase off all the good volunteers that DID all this kinda stuff . That's 2 parades and a Fire prevention event that they have missed in one month . Sad !
sounds like someone is lying again! The committee talked to the dept days in advance to set something up . I know people from the Rec Dept read this , what do you have to say ? Pretty crappy when all kids love firetrucks and this was for our kids and the city couldn't send even one truck . Maybe the committee should've asked LaSalle FD or Spring Valley FD to do it for them . Wouldn't be the first time . I usually see Tonica Fire at Home Depot for their safety days in the past .
Its posted on the city calendar. What do u mean they did not know about it, and the parade ends at the fire department.
Would someone please, please explain to me in detail why the need for Liberty Fire and the regular fire department, what the difference is, why they don't work as one unit, why Liberty is soliciting for moneyfor the fire department, why all of a sudden we're apparently not entering the kids parades as we always did in the past, etc. How many Liberty firemen are there, are they also regular firefighters, why the division, how many regular firefighters?
My Mother got a letter in the mail from Liberty fire dpt. asking for money. I told her last night to throw it away. She commented that she gives every year so I told her if she really felt a need to write a check to The Peru Fire Department and not Liberty. Does any one check thei records to be sure Liberty doesnt take checks written to the Peru Fire Department then deposit them into the Liberty acct? because I heard they do that too.
I just want to be sure If my mother writes a check to Peru FD that Liberty doesnt get it.
Have adult egos become so big that they don't care who's toes they step on as long as they get their way? Have their egos become so big that they are ignoring the future leaders of their town - our children? Grow up and start solving issues in an adult, professional manner! This is embarrassing!
currently there are 13 members of Liberty that are paid on call firefighter ( this includes the chief ) . There are also 3 memebers of Liberty that are also fulltime Engineers with the city . Then there are 2 paid on call firefighters with the city that aren't members of Liberty . And Lastly there is 1 fulltime engineer that is not a member of Liberty . Contrary to what Liberty wants everyone to believe you don't have to be a member of Liberty to be a city firefighter . You can apply to the city and get hired as a city firefighter and live outside of Peru and don't need to be on Liberty . Liberty still hires and fires city firefighters because the city won't step in and do its job . This was brought up in the letters that went to the city . The city has an HR department who is suppose to do this but somehow allows Liberty this control still . And yes this is ILLEGAL ! Peru doesn't need Liberty anymore since all it is is a men's club now . The city runs the fire department and that's what they wanted , so now they shouldn't be soliciting for donations since they aren't suppose to have any control anymore . The letter that came in the mail has City of Peru letterhead but you're suppose to give money to Liberty ? Why ? I paid my taxes and my business paid it's taxes . Foreign Fire Insurance Funds are suppose to be used for the extras that any fire department needs or wants . So why should i give them more . They can't even show up for my kids and the halloween parade .
Maybe this is the FD's way of saying they need more help . They want a Fulltime Chief and more fireman to sit there all day on shift . WWGD ! (What Would Gary Do) We lost the best chief ever when Gary was ousted !
Can anyone post the original letter that went to the city ? I'd like to know exactly what it said instead of hearsay . Also there are others looking into this and i wanna make sure they have seen it too .
What do you mean Liberty hires and fires city firefighters? Is the chief in on this process and is he a member of Liberty? If this process is indeed ILLEGAL why isn't someone on our council (an alderman, the mayor, the attorney) doing something about it? What is happening to our town?
This getting ridiculous ! All this trouble started last January ? All because the chief wouldn't make an officer apologize to another officer after a public argument in front of kids ? Then the same Officer allowing his wife to park in the FD lot against ordinances ? Why is Peru's administration allowing this ? This can't be good PR for Peru .
2:18 PM
I will check into that and see if there might be any legal implications. It is time to remember that at the present time, Liberty Fire is a "not for profit organization, a fund raising organization", that is actually controlling some of what is taking place in the Peru Fire Department. And if you read the article, I posted the head of a not for profit is allowed to take so much as a salary. Now we need to know how much of the money in Liberties coffers goes for salary if any.
Apparent water main break on 12th and Church.
Lois, Why haven't you ever posted all of the great things Liberty Fire company has done over the years, Like all of the parades, education at the schools, events held at local establishments. It seems like you only look for the negative and post those negatives. When was the last time you posted a true positive topic on the City of Peru without there being a slash somewhere in the main post.
Liberty Fire Co. does not pay a salary to any of the officers or members. We do use some of the money we get from donations for picnics or other celebrations but we put our lives on the line for a measley 30.00 per call. Not that we do this for the money but if we choose to purchase Steak or Prime Rib for a meeting here and there it should be no ones business.
As far as the parade goes, many had prior commitments. I had to work, others had to help our asst. chief move and some were at training. What would you think if we started billing the city Union wages to go to a parade? 4 guys would be about 200.00 because 3 would have to come in on time and a half.
Not all of us suck butt with the city and shows up for every detail. a few of us were actually kind of surprised that a certain FF wasn't there to show off doing a hand waving ceremony. besides we just did a parade two days before for St. Bede. Did you recognize us for that????
Don't take this wrong, but this blog is about now and the future in which the city is moving ahead. People are always free to jump in and post all the positive comments they wish, I have no problem with that.
I happened to drive by just as the fire equipment from Peru, La Salle and Spring Valley was coming out of Webster Park. But last I checked Peru was not in Bureau County but still nice to see them take the time. If you were one on board, thank you but the kids missed you in the Peru Halloween Parade.
8:23 Who or what are you referring to when you state "not all of us suck butt with the city". I don't have a problem with you having steaks or prime rib at meetings but I do have a problem if you buy them with donations that people thought was going to fire fighting equipment. That is wrong!
8:23pm
Do you get paid for each meeting you attend? Did you get paid for attending the City Council Mtg a few weeks ago? Do you get paid for weekly training? Not sure often those meetings are held.
@ 8:23 ... You eat STEAK and PRIME RIB with donation money that you recieve ? The letter says "Your donation money goes directly to Liberty Fire Company #1 for new equipment , gear for members , and training materials needed to keep us up to date with changing laws and regulations ." And what makes you think that because you make a parade on Thursday that you can't do a parade on Saturday ? I saw alot of guys at the Hi-Rise for a fire call Saturday afternoon , but i guess you were getting paid for that ! Oh but wait , you said you don't do it for the money . Officers of Liberty do get paid for their services . Before you lie to the community you're soliciting from , maybe you should know that your corporate financial reports are public knowledge . Also all this that you want credit for doing is required services from the fire department . Lets see you now missed 2 parades in the last month , had to cancel a safety day at kmart , cancel lifeflight and the smoke house . Only 1 firefighter was at Home Depot safety day without the smoke trailer . Only 1 firefighter was at the Kids Fun Day at Mertes Chiropractic Center with no smoke house . You no longer go to schools on fire prevention week and talk to the kids and show them around the firetrucks and talk safety . Firefighter Perez takes off work to do it on his own now . You don't do the fire prevention play thing anymore . It appears you now get paid to go to council meetings . And you seem to think its more important to help the Ass. Chief move than to have a firetruck at the Halloween parade . So obviously you say you knew of the Parade now correct ? So then the chief is really a liar ? Obviously you are a firefighter with Peru and didn't get this message approved to post on this blog by the Mayor , Fire Chief , or Liberty President since you were all told to stop posting on the blog . Since when is it "butt sucking" when you choose to serve your community rather than "butt suckin" and helping the Ass. Chief move ? What are you talking about "union wages and time and a half" to drive a truck in a parade ? Talk about greedy money sucking leaches ! Good luck to ya with that fundraising letter . I'm sure now that you admit you are eating Steaks and Prime Rib on OUR money , you'll be eating a little less ! One last thing , according to Illinois Valley Excavating Services , they bought the "Porta Tank" and donated it to Peru Fire . But Liberty is saying it was bought with the "much needed donations" they get, and need more of, from the public . Lies Lies and more Lies !
NO we do not get paid for meetings. No we did not get paid for going to a council meeting. We do get one paid training every month. WE Donate more time to the city of peru then any other department. We all work regular jobs at 40 or more hours a week as well as being PART TIME FIREFIGHTERS and add to that the extra activities such as fun days,parades, public safety events, trainings for specialty response teams such as TRT, HAZ-MAT, EMS and DIVE RESCUE. What I make for an average month, as firefighter would not even pay for my medical insurance for that month let alone my mortgage, car payment, utilities and put food on the table.
I am sorry if we cannot accommodate every organization every time we are requested to attend one of their functions. That is not Liberty Fire Company #1’s fault so don’t make them the sacrificial lamb so to speak. We all have lives outside being firefighters. Is it fair to ask us to give up what little free time we have left with our families? You say this blog is about moving forward for the city of Peru and it seems that the only way you know how to do so is by stepping all over its civil servants. The letter you have received from Liberty Fire Co.#1 was a request for a donation, not a threat so how can this be extortion? That money does go to new fire equipment such as gear, tools and trucks. IT is also used for things such as food and water for firefighters on calls or activities. IF you feel that it is not in your best interests to DONATE to Liberty then don’t.
We give everything we have and expect noting in return. Thank you for making us feel that this just isn’t good enough.
8:23 Did you know what the pay was before you became a firefighter? Did you know what it involved? Did you expect to get steak dinners and prime rib meals? I always respected firefighters and thought they were a respected group who risked their lives to save others. Now I find out that some (like you) think they should be rewarded using money people donated for better and newer fire fighting equipment - not for dinners!!!!!
Anon 8:23 until the recent implications were stated about Liberty Fire Dept. I don't remember the organization being questioned. If any of the actions that LFD has been accused of are true there should be a investigation of the dept. and if they are not true I would think its members would demand a investigation.
There is no problem with having a meal at a celebration, picnic or meeting as long as it is at your own expense and not out of donations made for fire fighting equipment. Your reference to a a measly $30.00 per call does not give anyone the a ethical or honest reason to use donations for any purpose except for which they are intended.
As for not being in the Halloween Parade let your priorities be your guide as I will when I decide what to donate if anything. I can assure you that the recent and continuing actions of the LFD have implanted many with the same feelings.
Sincerely hope that the attitude of 8:23 is of the minority not of the majority. Remember fellows don't bite the hand that feeds you.
12:45 am What exactly is a porta tank, how much did it cost, and did Ill. Valley Excavating really donate it? If so, then why is Liberty laying claim to purchasing it?
I definitely will not be donating this year until someone steps up to the plate and cleans up this mess. No steak dinners on my hard earned money.
Not once not ever no way and no how was there ever a fire truck in the Halloween parade that I can remember. The FD knew of the even because the treats were handed out at the FD and if the kids wanted to see a fire truck all the big doors were open and they could have asked to see one. How do I know? I WAS There
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the "leader" of the illinois valley is sure looking like crap lately, while they are investigating what liberty does with its funds they should investigate ex-mayor baker and all the city department heads
12:45 Yes Officers do get paid for the services, so do firefighters. We collect from the City not from Liberty. Liberty has never written me or any other FF a check for anything. Im not sure what an officer gets paid but I believe it's like 50.00 a year, yes, a year!! not sure.... but they are under paid for what they do, and responsible for. Lois perhaps it should be brought up to the council and the mayor that we are all paid the salary of firefighters. Pay each one of us union wages as the fulltimers get and most of us will quit our other jobs and be fulltime FF. Then we will obligate our time to parades and standing outside of Kmart in the rain to hand out literature. Until then, I, like most work Saturday's to pay bills and put food on the table If the city decides to pay for extra activities I'm sure you will see a turn out at some these parades etc. And as far as the one poster commented about missing fire prevention week, we did go to every school and recently saw pictures of the PFD and Fire truck at one of the schools with kids around it for fire prevention week, so get your facts straight before pointing fingers.
Not sure why all the uproar?? Kids enjoyed the parade,and fun at the firestation. I was there with my daughter and had a great time as she climbed on firetrucks and enjoyed her stay at the firestation. there were plenty of people there to help. I didn't hear any kids crying that the fire truck never rolled down rt. 6 you adults are the ones crying, Thank you PFD for opening your doors for the day and giving us an enjoyable day.
If these firefighters had work, trainings and prior commitments then so be it!!!!
Keep it up firemen your starting to make PVAS look good. Presently wouldn't care to see a fireman show up at my front door driving a ambulance
Oct. 24 12:26 I have been to a couple Halloween parades in downtown peru, yes in or driving a peru fire truck. We were thanked by many parents for showing up as we walked around while the kids got their costumes judged before the parade. 3:11 the officers get paid the same as the regular firefighters, nothing more. It was 33 dollars and some cents per call, with an average 20 to 25 calls a month. When you join the fire dept. a group of firefighters come to your house and tell you what is expected of you during your probationary year, like showing up to extra activities as this parade. Your percentage of extra activities is figured out and brought up at the end of your probationary year when you get voted on.
@ 12:26 I've been on the Rec Board for a long time and recently got off it and there has always been at least 1 firetruck in the Halloween Parade EVERY YEAR ! Most times there were 2 trucks . And i know for a fact that last year we had a new person in charge of the parade and didn't know we had the FD in the parade and everyone else was asking where the firetrucks were and we had to call at the last minute and they came right over for us . The firefighter that came over was one of the few that were there for everything because he knew someone needed to do it .
Does every city department in Peru eat steak and prime rib at its meeting and functions ? I heard about the steak and shrimp picnic this summer for the volunteers that remodeled the firestation that was only attended by fireman . They didn't even invite all the volunteers to it ! I guess more steak and shrimp for them though . No wonder you guys can't afford a pool . I'm glad my town has a pool rather than steak , prime rib , and shrimp dinners for city workers .
3:33 , I guess it's good there wasn't a disaster or fire that day since you say you were all too busy and had prior committments to attend a 5 block long parade that probly would've taken 30 minutes out of your busy schedule . True dedication of a public servant
i thought councils were elected to run the city and take care of cities problems ? How come these issues are kept swept under the rug ? How about a Super Committee to investigate ? A committee made up of citizens from a town far away , members of the Attorney Generals office , members of the Gambling Board , and State's Attorney's Office . Oh and throw a Chicago Firefighter in there too !
Anon 6:43 City Councils and city administrators are elected to manage the city and its business policies. Citizens of the city also have a responsibility of showing a interest in the city. This responsibility has evidently been forgotten in Peru as witnessed by the lack of attendance at city council meetings. It seems like the only time there is a shown interest is when it directly affects the individual and than he or she will become active until their problem is resolved. For a town of 10,000 there is very little civic participation.
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11:47 AM
Somehow I sense that you have a horse in this race.
Anon 9:47 I have been at city council meetings where the Mayor has completely thrown procedure out the window for certain individuals. For example the insurance consultant and others have had their subject brought up at the start of a meeting so they could immediately leave and not have to wait for their proper time frame. This form of treatment limits citizen participation. The idea of civic participation is that you are trying to better the existing body you represent and not making a money making project out of it. While I guess that that should be the idea of it, possibility I am getting outdated.
Anon 11:47 Who are you addressing outstanding piece of literary work to? Being out of the circle I could not understand your smoke signals. Maybe if I was what you consider a black sheep I could. Anyway here is a couple blah blahs back at you.
Anon 11:47 You are wasting your time writing to blogs. You should be a English Literature professor at one of the Ivy League schools with you command of words. Best I can do with your message is that it is the song Mary Had a Little Lamb to the tune of On Top of Old Smokey. For your next message could you please rap out How Much is that Doggie in the Window to the tune of bow wow bow wow or would that be too many words for you.
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