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Chicago Ridge fire chief resigns
The Southtown Star recently published an article detailing the resignation of Chicago Ridge Fire Chief Robert Muszynski, who stepped down citing "personal differences" with village officials over proposed changes to the fire department. The decision comes in the wake of a recent village board recommendation that encouraged Mayor Chuck Tokar to explore more efficient ways to provide both fire and ambulance services.
According to Tokar, potential changes could involve hiring a private ambulance service, joining a fire protection district, or adding a second ambulance at the former firehouse located at 107th Street and Lombard Avenue. This site currently houses three older fire trucks used primarily for training by paid-on-call firefighters, who are sometimes called upon during high-demand periods.
The main fire station, which opened five years ago in an industrial park on the west side of Chicago Ridge, is situated about two to three miles from the village’s residential heart. Officials worry this distance may cause critical delays in responding to ambulance calls, especially since neighboring communities often assist with emergency responses.
Muszynski expressed concerns that adding a second ambulance would require hiring up to eight more firefighters, which he argued was not feasible given the financial burden. Tokar countered that the village couldn’t afford the additional costs, estimating that the annual pension levy could rise by over $1 million. “We can’t afford to hire seven or eight to staff that 24/7,†he said.
As tensions escalated, the village board eventually demanded Muszynski’s resignation through the mayor. He submitted his letter of resignation on Monday.
Christ Schmelzer, president of Chicago Ridge Professional Firefighters Local 3098, described the atmosphere in the firehouse as tense, with firefighters expressing fear for their jobs. “No one has come over and told us to not worry. Everyone is running around scared,†he said.
Muszynski, 58, previously served in the Skokie and Schaumburg fire departments before being hired as chief in early 2011. Tokar praised his performance but emphasized the need for greater efficiency.
While there are no immediate plans to lay off full-time employees, the village believes the fire department could operate more efficiently. Currently, ambulances from neighboring areas like Alsip, Bridgeview, North Palos, and Oak Lawn respond to many of Chicago Ridge’s calls. Adding another ambulance could keep more money within the community, according to Tokar.
To cut costs, the department could reduce the number of firefighter/paramedics per call from two to one and stop sending a fire truck to every ambulance response. Schmelzer noted that the union has shrunk from 17 members a few years ago to 12 firefighter/paramedics and one lieutenant today.
A recent letter from Local 3098 revealed that the fire department handled 2,424 service requests last year, with 1,599 involving ambulance calls. They managed 87% of those calls, with outside agencies only called in when they were overwhelmed.
The letter also acknowledged some benefits of joining a fire protection district but urged a thorough examination of all options. A recent message to residents hinted that significant changes might be coming, including the possibility of a part-time fire department.
Both sides are currently engaged in contract negotiations, which have been marked by heated exchanges. Schmelzer mentioned that the starting salary for firefighters is $45,000, with only one new hire in the past decade. Low staffing has led to increased overtime, with the village paying $45,000 in overtime over six weeks.
Tokar added that the highest base salary, including benefits, exceeds $100,000 annually when overtime is factored in. He plans to consult with more fire department efficiency experts to find solutions for Chicago Ridge.
Thanks to Dieterich.