The Chicago Tribune recently published an article discussing a controversial requirement for becoming a firefighter in Des Plaines. The issue centers around whether the city should continue to require applicants to hold a paramedic license in order to even be eligible for the firefighter exam.
Des Plaines Alderman James Brookman, representing the 5th Ward, has been vocal about his desire to remove this requirement. He believes that by requiring a paramedic license, the fire department is limiting itself to a very narrow pool of candidates. "We should hire the best people we can find and then train them," Brookman argued during a recent council meeting.
However, Fire Chief Alan Wax raised concerns about the financial implications of training non-licensed applicants. According to him, the cost of training a new firefighter without a paramedic license can reach up to $60,000 per person. This, he said, could lead to significant financial risk if the newly trained individual leaves the department or fails to obtain their license after training.
The current requirement was introduced in 2006 when the Des Plaines Board of Fire and Police Commissioners approved it. Prior to that, paramedic licenses were considered a bonus during the hiring process, but not a mandatory requirement. State law does allow cities to set such requirements, and many municipalities across Illinois have adopted similar policies.
John Swan, president of the Illinois Firefighters Association, noted that while the requirement isn't unique, it's often seen as a way to save money in the long run. He explained that cities may invest in training only to lose a firefighter who later decides to leave, which results in both a loss of funds and the need to restart the hiring process.
Despite these arguments, Alderman Patricia Haugeberg, chair of the public safety committee, was persuaded by Brookman’s points and agreed to bring the issue before the board of fire and police commissioners. Commissioner Debra Lester suggested that more information is needed before making a decision, emphasizing that the matter is complex and not simply a yes-or-no question.
As a result of the ongoing debate, the written firefighter exam originally scheduled for mid-September has now been postponed. The outcome of this discussion could significantly impact how the Des Plaines Fire Department recruits and trains its future firefighters.
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