This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
It would appear that the inane, intelligence insulting reality T.V. shows of today's ilk have nothing on good ol' Peru, Illinois. The soup just keeps getting thicker and thicker. Is anyone ever going to take charge and try to bring this runaway train under control??? Way too many chiefs and far too few Indians for this crap to be let go much further. Can't wait to see the "insurance bids fiasco" play out. The real losers will end up being the employees.
Steve and I have discussed "volunteerism" within the city of Peru and how the lack of it has contributed to a lack of real community but I did not realize how deep the lack of volunteer effort runs within the city departments. This is making the CSO look good, in my opinion.
Old Goat or geezer... Would you accept a bid after the bid openings? No. That is the reason for a bid process. Would you allow a contractor to change bids amounts after a bid was opened? No.
But this is what they did as the original BCBS bid was the highest and they received the contract at a lower negotiated bid and no one else was allowed in.
To Anon 10:54...my point exactly...the bid is/was going to go where it is intended by whatever means are found necessary to get it there. Transparency...my behind.
This topic and discussion was suggested to be turned over to the Health and Safety Committee - why that particular one? Also, why is the city paying anybody to be in a parade that is controlled and sponsored by the Peru Park and Recreation Commission? The city also paid for the candy that was passed out during the parade. Once again - WHY? The Rec Commission has over $56,000 in their budget that we give them. Anybody else confused on this mess? One other thing - why would we put so many firemen in a parade? 13? That almost seems like we want to pad some salaries.
I bought my own candy to pass out. Maybe others did too, but I don't know for sure. There were 10 firemen at the Christmas parade, 3 at the Pearl Harbor Day parade, and 0 in the Halloween parade - 13 in 3 parades. I don't understand why the firemen are expected to give up their free time for no compensation, when the police and city workers don't have that same expectation forced upon them.
Alderman Mayszak = The candy cost was on the disbursement sheets. I still think 13 in 2 parades is too much and why should the city pay their wages? Why not the rec commission who puts on the parades?
The point needs to be made that this is a new policy instituted by Fire Chief King when he came into office. Prior to that it was volunteer and it has been suggested that the engineer working could take one truck for the few blocks of the parade and he would get paid since he is already on duty. We have been talking about volunteer efforts that are currently taking place in many cities around Peru and we seem to be the "lone city" who believes only in paid performance. Thank you for your input.
We want citizens to volunteer for different duties but we can't expect those already on our payroll to volunteer their services at least once a year? This is for the kids. I remember when all the local fire trucks would be represented in each towns parades - for FREE. If the police are directing traffic and already on duty then they should be paid. The firemen are not on duty and are not performing a safety function. Therefore, they should not be paid.
Candy disbursements? Somebody is again looking at the very small picture. Leave the boys at home if they need money for driving around their family in a fire truck. We have 5 unions now in the city, nobody is going to be able to volunteer for anything! Every month Peru is creating a new job for somebody. That is not a accident. When the rest of the Republic is going to private services to lower those expensive long term benefits, Peru at every chance is creating more public checks.
Don't tell me Santa was not really Santa, I hope he was not a paid fireman on call. Please let our Ald. know that there is a difference between traffic control for a parade and buzzing around in a firetruck.
Heres a new flash the fireman that is causing all the problems at the fire house is to blame for all this. He stated in his last letter that all this was is a job to him and that he needs to be paid for everything he does. So why dont you go ahead and feel sorry for him now. The chief cant win either way with you people. wake up
Lois, From reading the news article it sounds to me that the Peru Firemen take ALL their Duties as a " JOB " It also sounds to me that the Peru Firemen want to be paid for " everything else " THEY do. Including riding in a Christmas Parade..BAH HUMBUG Peru Firefighters!!! I suppose MR. GRINCH was driving the fire engine.
My point to MR. 5:43 is..... I don't just feel sorry for him, I feel sorry for the citizens of Peru, because at one time Peru had real volunteers, Now all they want is pay for every little thing.
Anon 1:06 Your comment about we give the Rec Department $56,000 is missleading. Peru residents pay for all the services of Peru including the Rec. Department. Many Peru residents enjoy the Parks, Parades, and services of the Rec. Department. Just like the many other departments. We don't give them money! Its is a city service just like fire protection or the Maude Powell festival. I do agree with your point of why would you give public health and safety decision making power? From reading the comments, is that Public/Health Safety Board really have a good handle on anything?
You're absolutely right 11:27 many residents do enjoy the things you mentioned but you misinterpreted my commment about the money. The rec commission is given $75,000 each year by the city. The $56,000 I mentioned above is left in their account from last year's money. Since they put on the parades, etc. why don't they use the money in their account? Why go to the city for more money? That was my question. And yes, we do give them money that they can use as they see fit and they do not need council approval on how they spend it!!
Would it be possible to utilize ESDA volunteers in city parades? The Fire Chief and Police Chief are in command of ESDA and are already paid as such. Therefore if ESDA is involved in parades as I can remember the past ESDA Commander driving the ESDA car in the parade. The present ESDA Co-Commander, the Fire Chief could drive the fire truck and the Police Chief the other Co-Commander of Esda could take care of other parade responsibilities. Since these two city employees are already paid the salary of the previous ESDA Commander there should be no additional monies needed from the city. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all problems were this easy to solve, sometimes the answer is right in front of you and all you have to do is place the x and o's in their proper positions.
Is this whole problem about one fireman? Rec commission or city, the money still comes from the taxpayers. Yes, it is a sad state of affairs when everybody is a paid employee. Lois is right what happened to the volunteer citizen? The city has to pay thousands of dollars to have a parade! Everbody in the parade is paid? The wages also turn into long term retirement benefits, workers comp. coverage and more. When people or elected officials ask whats wrong with employees being paid for parades, it all adds up. Parades are just one example. You can make your own judgement if this is a case of public safety or pocket padding. Firemen to every ambulance or emergency call or Parade event or public training.
I have an idea!!! right under our noses, If the firemen want to get paid why not take it from their Liberty fundraising account? after-all citizens of peru send them checks in the mail every year for donations so perhaps that should pay for something within the city??
I thought Liberty was dissolved when the members all became part time city employees. BUT when the request for donations to the Fired Department came to our homes, was it in a Liberty envelope or not? I don't remember, does anyone remember?
I am correcting what I said earlier about what Liberty Fire is. At the present time they are considered a fund raising group only and as of Sept. 2011. 12,022.07 was the amount of money they had stashed somewhere.
The bottom line if you were following all this , and read all the news articles and letters read ,is that the fireman were always getting paid for extra activities , but one fireman wanted it to stop the way they were doing it . The council never knew because signatures were being signed by others on ofiicial state reports to the State Fire Marshall and it appearred that attendances were up because guys were getting signed in for calls they weren't at because they were owed calls when they did extra activities like parades . So why are we mad at this one fireman because he wanted the illegal activities to stop . It seems we are all making him the skape goat when he's been trying to get this stopped for months now . Even the chief said at the council meeting per the newstribune article that this change was made because one fireman was persistantly complaining and this makes it more transparrent to all . So finally they are on the up and up and not forging state documents anymore . All because one guy complained . I'm actually glad someone down there is honest and will stand up for us taxpayers !
Why do some of you want to crucify this one fireman because he's the only one wanting to stand up and fix the wrong doings ? Noone at the fire station will work for free . Why do you think King wants a salary and benefits package in the excess of $120,000 . The fireman got together under the direction of Liberty president and said they will not volunteer for any more extra activities unless the city and businesses start paying . This is why over the last year participation was down at events and certain events weren't even attended by the fire department leaving organizations and businesses in a lurch . The only ones that did attend were the same true volunteers that have always did what they needed . . . Pat , Tom , and Rodney . Once they started getting paid under the new way in december , more attended . Hmmm sounds funny
Seems like a really bad coincidence that those 3 were the ones doing the most down there and they were the last 3 to leave Liberty . I agree with the post earlier ( 4:26pm ) why should this be paid out of taxpayer funds and out of the city budget , let the fundraising of Liberty pay for it !
The statement that King wants a salary and benefits package in the excess of $120,000 creates the comparative questions of what is he presently receiving and what did the former fire chief before King receive? Who is the Liberty president who gave direction not to volunteer for any more extra activities unless the city and businesses start paying? Doesn't he realize that businesses pay taxes? Why hasn't the city administration treated the fire department as a business and hire and fire accordingly? Cooperation,teamwork, loyalty, honesty and attitude are very important characteristics in consideration of employees involvement. Is there a possibility that the three firemen who have stepped forward in a effort to improve the PFD would be considered to be put in charge of this organization by a strong administration?
Liberty pres. have you ever heard the adage "DON'T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU". Good advise! Also: "WHERE THERES SMOKE THERES FIRE". The citizenship of Peru have the thought that there are real problems at the PFD which are going to have to be dealt with and the results published to retain faith in this organization. Very few believe that the problems are simply rumors.
12:56 If indeed there are real problems at the FD WHO is going to deal with them? It has been apparent that we also have problems with the ambulance department but no one has dealt with that one either.
The fire, police, electric,water and street departments are all direct branches of responsibility to the city of Peru. Is the PVAS, with the first four the city finances 100%, with PVAS which has a separate board of directors from the city council the city donates $4,000 per month.
Is it true that Dimmick Township is serviced by the Peru Fire Department? If so what is the compensation in return to Peru from Dimmick? Is it enough to conpensate for Dimmicks involvement within the Peru retail sections taxes which go to Dimmick rather than the Peru Grade Schools? How is the city doing with its TIF at the Northern section of town since Dimmick Grade school board has challenged it? This challenge could definitely limit the progress of Peru to the North.
How much was paid to the different TIF districts? I have asked this before on this blog, but no one seems to know the answer. I looked in paper at the financials for Peru, but no answers. When the city of Utica publishes there year end it is quite clear who was paid what in each TIF. Why isn't Peru that transparent? Is there something to hide/be ashamed of?
5;12 and 8:18 There are a lot of questions that have been posed both on this blog and at council meetings and to individual aldermen and city officials. Many of them go unanswered or put on a shelf until it becomes an emergency that needs to be resolved in a hurry. Then there is no time to question anything.
If these accusations of cash hoarding , mismanagement , unfair treatment , and non-volunteerism within the fire department aren't true then why has Liberty cancelled their annual Stag indefinately as of this year ? All the skeletons are out of the "closet" so to speak i guess . That's alot of money and good times that will be missed by all and very saddening to all the members that created this event to take alittle stress off the taxpayers . Too bad Liberty got too greedy and corrupt for its own good !
Wait a minute!! First the firemen don't want to drive any fire trucks in any parades unless they are getting paid...now they don't want to organize a very well supported fund raiser (stag) that has been around for several years. What is next?? They don't want to be bothered by tax paying citizens if they need help and it may inconvenience some of those so-called city fire fighters. They sure sound like a LAZY group of guys to me!! Mayor Harl, city council, citizens of Peru...you must be so proud!!
The original organizers of the Smoker are LIVID about this "no stag" issue ! We put so much time and effort into making a great fundraiser to take some pressure off the taxpayers that this is unaccepptable . First they cut all contact with us retired guys now this . It all comes down to poor & lazy management (chief and President) .
I'd like to take a moment to thank those lazy firemen for their efforts all night at the Westclox Building. This is what we have them for. So, Thank You guys!! Stay safe and return home to your families unscathed.
Last blog was Jan 1, 2012 9:35 a.m. Who was commander in chief for the westclock fire when it first started and for an additional 12 hours?? Peru's asst. Fire chief Jim Duncan . A job well done by Duncan, and to all who assisted. Blogged Dec. 24, 2011 (7 days before westclock fire) fire chief king wants a salary and benefit package in the EXCESS of $120,000!!!! How did he arrive at that? Fire chief with degrees in fire science from an accrediated academy might make that who serve in a bigger community, but really, Peru? It would be interesting to know his credentials and reasoning to request that amount. Was he a fire chief or assistant fire chief in his hometown prior to his move to Peru??? Maybe, he could answer these questions to the taxpayers and to peru's alderman and peru's mayor. Does anybody know when Mr. King was APPOINTED fire chief in Peru, was he asked questions by the alderman etc... And what his answers were??? Just trying to put 2 plus 2 together. The $120,000 package floors me to no end. Does that shock anyone else? I guess we can always hike the taxes up, raise water and electric rates, etc...
Nobody I noticed answered the question in regards to what our fire chief king makes now as opposed to what Gary Eccles made as chief in 08 and 09. Gary Eccles was never fire chief as being appointed by the mayor (Baker). Uike now, fire chief appointed by mayor. Interesting to know salaries. I do know that Gary Eccles when he was fire chief for ( 11 years? ) , he went way above his call of duty for the citizens of Peru. He ran a tight ship, and was always available. Gary Eccles never got any recognition he deserved for all the years he was our fire chief. My opinion. I'm a retired fireman.
Everything I have heard about Gary Eccles has been praise for the manner in which he conducted the Peru Fire Department. Also I was not aware of a change in salary from now to previous years. From what I have heard the current chief was chosen in what I would call an inappropriate manner, if the party in the garage is true. I do remember that Chief King was presented to the City Council with the endorsement of Mayor Harl and then was approved unanimously by the council sitting in 2009. Thanks for your comment retired fireman.
45 comments:
It would appear that the inane, intelligence insulting reality T.V. shows of today's ilk have nothing on good ol' Peru, Illinois. The soup just keeps getting thicker and thicker. Is anyone ever going to take charge and try to bring this runaway train under control??? Way too many chiefs and far too few Indians for this crap to be let go much further. Can't wait to see the "insurance bids fiasco" play out. The real losers will end up being the employees.
Lois said...
Steve and I have discussed "volunteerism" within the city of Peru and how the lack of it has contributed to a lack of real community but I did not realize how deep the lack of volunteer effort runs within the city departments. This is making the CSO look good, in my opinion.
10:13 Not only are the employees losers but so are we the tax payers.
Old Goat or geezer... Would you accept a bid after the bid openings? No. That is the reason for a bid process. Would you allow a contractor to change bids amounts after a bid was opened? No.
10:54 AM
But this is what they did as the original BCBS bid was the highest and they received the contract at a lower negotiated bid and no one else was allowed in.
To Anon 10:54...my point exactly...the bid is/was going to go where it is intended by whatever means are found necessary to get it there. Transparency...my behind.
This topic and discussion was suggested to be turned over to the Health and Safety Committee - why that particular one? Also, why is the city paying anybody to be in a parade that is controlled and sponsored by the Peru Park and Recreation Commission? The city also paid for the candy that was passed out during the parade. Once again - WHY? The Rec Commission has over $56,000 in their budget that we give them. Anybody else confused on this mess? One other thing - why would we put so many firemen in a parade? 13? That almost seems like we want to pad some salaries.
I bought my own candy to pass out. Maybe others did too, but I don't know for sure. There were 10 firemen at the Christmas parade, 3 at the Pearl Harbor Day parade, and 0 in the Halloween parade - 13 in 3 parades. I don't understand why the firemen are expected to give up their free time for no compensation, when the police and city workers don't have that same expectation forced upon them.
Alderman Mayszak = The candy cost was on the disbursement sheets. I still think 13 in 2 parades is too much and why should the city pay their wages? Why not the rec commission who puts on the parades?
Sherry,
The point needs to be made that this is a new policy instituted by Fire Chief King when he came into office. Prior to that it was volunteer and it has been suggested that the engineer working could take one truck for the few blocks of the parade and he would get paid since he is already on duty. We have been talking about volunteer efforts that are currently taking place in many cities around Peru and we seem to be the "lone city" who believes only in paid performance.
Thank you for your input.
We want citizens to volunteer for different duties but we can't expect those already on our payroll to volunteer their services at least once a year? This is for the kids. I remember when all the local fire trucks would be represented in each towns parades - for FREE. If the police are directing traffic and already on duty then they should be paid. The firemen are not on duty and are not performing a safety function. Therefore, they should not be paid.
I have an Idea!!! Let's ask LaSalle Fire Dept to do the parades in Peru. I'm sure they do not pay their firefighters.
Candy disbursements? Somebody is again looking at the very small picture. Leave the boys at home if they need money for driving around their family in a fire truck. We have 5 unions now in the city, nobody is going to be able to volunteer for anything! Every month Peru is creating a new job for somebody. That is not a accident. When the rest of the Republic is going to private services to lower those expensive long term benefits, Peru at every chance is creating more public checks.
Don't tell me Santa was not really Santa, I hope he was not a paid fireman on call. Please let our Ald. know that there is a difference between traffic control for a parade and buzzing around in a firetruck.
Heres a new flash the fireman that is causing all the problems at the fire house is to blame for all this. He stated in his last letter that all this was is a job to him and that he needs to be paid for everything he does. So why dont you go ahead and feel sorry for him now. The chief cant win either way with you people. wake up
5:43 PM
I think you better check your volunteer records.
Attention 5:43
Lois,
From reading the news article it sounds to me that the Peru Firemen take ALL their Duties as a " JOB " It also sounds to me that the Peru Firemen want to be paid for " everything else " THEY do. Including riding in a Christmas Parade..BAH HUMBUG Peru Firefighters!!! I suppose MR. GRINCH was driving the fire engine.
My point to MR. 5:43 is..... I don't just feel sorry for him, I feel sorry for the citizens of Peru, because at one time Peru had real volunteers, Now all they want is pay for every little thing.
Anon 1:06 Your comment about we give the Rec Department $56,000 is missleading. Peru residents pay for all the services of Peru including the Rec. Department. Many Peru residents enjoy the Parks, Parades, and services of the Rec. Department. Just like the many other departments. We don't give them money! Its is a city service just like fire protection or the Maude Powell festival. I do agree with your point of why would you give public health and safety decision making power? From reading the comments, is that Public/Health Safety Board really have a good handle on anything?
You're absolutely right 11:27 many residents do enjoy the things you mentioned but you misinterpreted my commment about the money. The rec commission is given $75,000 each year by the city. The $56,000 I mentioned above is left in their account from last year's money. Since they put on the parades, etc. why don't they use the money in their account? Why go to the city for more money? That was my question. And yes, we do give them money that they can use as they see fit and they do not need council approval on how they spend it!!
Would it be possible to utilize ESDA volunteers in city parades? The Fire Chief and Police Chief are in command of ESDA and are already paid as such. Therefore if ESDA is involved in parades as I can remember the past ESDA Commander driving the ESDA car in the parade. The present ESDA Co-Commander, the Fire Chief could drive the fire truck and the Police Chief the other Co-Commander of Esda could take care of other parade responsibilities. Since these two city employees are already paid the salary of the previous ESDA Commander there should be no additional monies needed from the city. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all problems were this easy to solve, sometimes the answer is right in front of you and all you have to do is place the x and o's in their proper positions.
Is this whole problem about one fireman? Rec commission or city, the money still comes from the taxpayers. Yes, it is a sad state of affairs when everybody is a paid employee. Lois is right what happened to the volunteer citizen? The city has to pay thousands of dollars to have a parade! Everbody in the parade is paid? The wages also turn into long term retirement benefits, workers comp. coverage and more. When people or elected officials ask whats wrong with employees being paid for parades, it all adds up. Parades are just one example. You can make your own judgement if this is a case of public safety or pocket padding. Firemen to every ambulance or emergency call or Parade event or public training.
I have an idea!!! right under our noses, If the firemen want to get paid why not take it from their Liberty fundraising account? after-all citizens of peru send them checks in the mail every year for donations so perhaps that should pay for something within the city??
Is there a Liberty Fire Company and what do they do now?
I thought Liberty was dissolved when the members all became part time city employees. BUT when the request for donations to the Fired Department came to our homes, was it in a Liberty envelope or not? I don't remember, does anyone remember?
And you guys thought the CSO was a bad group what about the bandits in the fire dept.
11:11 AM
I am correcting what I said earlier about what Liberty Fire is. At the present time they are considered a fund raising group only and as of Sept. 2011. 12,022.07 was the amount of money they had stashed somewhere.
The bottom line if you were following all this , and read all the news articles and letters read ,is that the fireman were always getting paid for extra activities , but one fireman wanted it to stop the way they were doing it . The council never knew because signatures were being signed by others on ofiicial state reports to the State Fire Marshall and it appearred that attendances were up because guys were getting signed in for calls they weren't at because they were owed calls when they did extra activities like parades . So why are we mad at this one fireman because he wanted the illegal activities to stop . It seems we are all making him the skape goat when he's been trying to get this stopped for months now . Even the chief said at the council meeting per the newstribune article that this change was made because one fireman was persistantly complaining and this makes it more transparrent to all . So finally they are on the up and up and not forging state documents anymore . All because one guy complained . I'm actually glad someone down there is honest and will stand up for us taxpayers !
Why do some of you want to crucify this one fireman because he's the only one wanting to stand up and fix the wrong doings ? Noone at the fire station will work for free . Why do you think King wants a salary and benefits package in the excess of $120,000 . The fireman got together under the direction of Liberty president and said they will not volunteer for any more extra activities unless the city and businesses start paying . This is why over the last year participation was down at events and certain events weren't even attended by the fire department leaving organizations and businesses in a lurch . The only ones that did attend were the same true volunteers that have always did what they needed . . . Pat , Tom , and Rodney . Once they started getting paid under the new way in december , more attended . Hmmm sounds funny
I agree it's not his fault . He's obviously trying to fix things and is suffering retaliation.
Seems like a really bad coincidence that those 3 were the ones doing the most down there and they were the last 3 to leave Liberty . I agree with the post earlier ( 4:26pm ) why should this be paid out of taxpayer funds and out of the city budget , let the fundraising of Liberty pay for it !
The statement that King wants a salary and benefits package in the excess of $120,000 creates the comparative questions of what is he presently receiving and what did the former fire chief before King receive?
Who is the Liberty president who gave direction not to volunteer for any more extra activities unless the city and businesses start paying?
Doesn't he realize that businesses pay taxes?
Why hasn't the city administration treated the fire department as a business and hire and fire accordingly? Cooperation,teamwork, loyalty, honesty and attitude are very important characteristics in consideration of employees involvement.
Is there a possibility that the three firemen who have stepped forward in a effort to improve the PFD would be considered to be put in charge of this organization by a strong administration?
Liberty pres. have you ever heard the adage "DON'T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU".
Good advise! Also: "WHERE THERES SMOKE THERES FIRE". The citizenship of Peru have the thought that there are real problems at the PFD which are going to have to be dealt with and the results published to retain faith in this organization. Very few believe that the problems are simply rumors.
12:56 If indeed there are real problems at the FD WHO is going to deal with them? It has been apparent that we also have problems with the ambulance department but no one has dealt with that one either.
The fire, police, electric,water and street departments are all direct branches of responsibility to the city of Peru. Is the PVAS, with the first four the city finances 100%, with PVAS which has a separate board of directors from the city council the city donates $4,000 per month.
Is it true that Dimmick Township is serviced by the Peru Fire Department? If so what is the compensation in return to Peru from Dimmick? Is it enough to conpensate for Dimmicks involvement within the Peru retail sections taxes which go to Dimmick rather than the Peru Grade Schools? How is the city doing with its TIF at the Northern section of town since Dimmick Grade school board has challenged it? This challenge could definitely limit the progress of Peru to the North.
How much was paid to the different TIF districts? I have asked this before on this blog, but no one seems to know the answer. I looked in paper at the financials for Peru, but no answers. When the city of Utica publishes there year end it is quite clear who was paid what in each TIF. Why isn't Peru that transparent? Is there something to hide/be ashamed of?
5;12 and 8:18 There are a lot of questions that have been posed both on this blog and at council meetings and to individual aldermen and city officials. Many of them go unanswered or put on a shelf until it becomes an emergency that needs to be resolved in a hurry. Then there is no time to question anything.
If these accusations of cash hoarding , mismanagement , unfair treatment , and non-volunteerism within the fire department aren't true then why has Liberty cancelled their annual Stag indefinately as of this year ? All the skeletons are out of the "closet" so to speak i guess . That's alot of money and good times that will be missed by all and very saddening to all the members that created this event to take alittle stress off the taxpayers . Too bad Liberty got too greedy and corrupt for its own good !
NO STAG ! What ? And the hits just keep on coming .
Wait a minute!! First the firemen don't want to drive any fire trucks in any parades unless they are getting paid...now they don't want to organize a very well supported fund raiser (stag) that has been around for several years. What is next?? They don't want to be bothered by tax paying citizens if they need help and it may inconvenience some of those so-called city fire fighters. They sure sound like a LAZY group of guys to me!! Mayor Harl, city council, citizens of Peru...you must be so proud!!
The original organizers of the Smoker are LIVID about this "no stag" issue ! We put so much time and effort into making a great fundraiser to take some pressure off the taxpayers that this is unaccepptable . First they cut all contact with us retired guys now this . It all comes down to poor & lazy management (chief and President) .
I'd like to take a moment to thank those lazy firemen for their efforts all night at the Westclox Building. This is what we have them for. So, Thank You guys!! Stay safe and return home to your families unscathed.
Last blog was Jan 1, 2012 9:35 a.m. Who was commander in chief for the westclock fire when it first started and for an additional 12 hours?? Peru's asst. Fire chief Jim Duncan . A job well done by Duncan, and to all who assisted. Blogged Dec. 24, 2011 (7 days before westclock fire) fire chief king wants a salary and benefit package in the EXCESS of $120,000!!!! How did he arrive at that? Fire chief with degrees in fire science from an accrediated academy might make that who serve in a bigger community, but really, Peru? It would be interesting to know his credentials and reasoning to request that amount. Was he a fire chief or assistant fire chief in his hometown prior to his move to Peru??? Maybe, he could answer these questions to the taxpayers and to peru's alderman and peru's mayor. Does anybody know when Mr. King was APPOINTED fire chief in Peru, was he asked questions by the alderman etc... And what his answers were??? Just trying to put 2 plus 2 together. The $120,000 package floors me to no end. Does that shock anyone else? I guess we can always hike the taxes up, raise water and electric rates, etc...
Nobody I noticed answered the question in regards to what our fire chief king makes now as opposed to what Gary Eccles made as chief in 08 and 09. Gary Eccles was never fire chief as being appointed by the mayor (Baker). Uike now, fire chief appointed by mayor. Interesting to know salaries. I do know that Gary Eccles when he was fire chief for ( 11 years? ) , he went way above his call of duty for the citizens of Peru. He ran a tight ship, and was always available. Gary Eccles never got any recognition he deserved for all the years he was our fire chief. My opinion. I'm a retired fireman.
Everything I have heard about Gary Eccles has been praise for the manner in which he conducted the Peru Fire Department. Also I was not aware of a change in salary from now to previous years.
From what I have heard the current chief was chosen in what I would call an inappropriate manner, if the party in the garage is true. I do remember that Chief King was presented to the City Council with the endorsement of Mayor Harl and then was approved unanimously by the council sitting in 2009.
Thanks for your comment retired fireman.
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