Downers Grove Professional Firefighters Association

What's New at IAFF 3234

Statement Regarding the Proposed Closing of Fire Station #1

Posted On: Sep 23, 2009 (13:24:53)

The Downers Grove Professional Firefighters Association Local 3234 does not support the closing of station one as a service enhancement to the residents of Downers Grove. Our concern is the safety and the service provided to the residents of Downers Grove.

The fire department needs to respond to any emergency incident with the right number of people, the right equipment, in the right amount of time to be successful in handling the incident.

We deal in time sensitive emergencies where every minute counts. Irreversible brain damage begins in 4 – 6 minutes and flashover in a structure fire occurs in 8 – 10 minutes. A two minute delay in response / arrival time can make the difference in the outcome of the incident.

We are as successful as we are because of our response times, manpower and equipment. When any one of these three items is changed, it has an adverse effect on the outcome of the incident.

We stand ready to work with the administration on ways to make the service provided to the residents of Downers Grove more efficient and cost effective, but can not support the removal of an ALS engine from our response and any further reduction of manpower.

DGPFA Statement Regarding FD Staffing Reduction

Updated On: Sep 07, 2009 (10:29:00)

The DGPFA does not support the “jump company” method of staffing the truck and squad company at station 2. The truck and squad are dispatched to every report of a fire or activated alarm in the village. The four members who have traditionally been assigned to the truck and squad each had a specific task assigned to them upon arrival at a fire or other emergency. Reducing this team to three members absolutely reduces their ability to accomplish their assigned tasks.

Jump companies do not increase efficiency. Efficiency is lost. While both vehicles may not be necessary on scene, a full complement of fire fighters is crucial. Reducing the number of fire fighters responding to an emergency is a reduction in the level of service provided.

The Downers Grove Fire Department is already staffed below the national consensus standard level established by NFPA 1710. Numerous studies are available that demonstrate the loss of efficiency, safety, and in some cases cost effectiveness of operating below the staffing levels detailed in NFPA 1710. While the DGPFA understands the need to be fiscally responsible we do not support a reduction in the level of service provided to the public.

Please watch this short video for a further explanation of the importance of adequate staffing.