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Chicago Ridge fire chief resigns
The Southtown Star published an article detailing the resignation of Chicago Ridge Fire Chief Robert Muszynski, who stepped down citing "personal differences" with the village’s elected officials. The decision came amid growing tensions over proposed changes to the fire department's operations. Just weeks earlier, the village board had encouraged Mayor Chuck Tokar to explore more efficient ways to deliver firefighter and ambulance services.
Muszynski’s departure has left many firefighters concerned about their job security. 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 fire station located at 107th Street and Lombard Avenue. This site currently houses three older fire trucks used mainly for training by paid-on-call firefighters, who are sometimes called upon during busy periods.
The main firehouse, which opened five years ago in an industrial park on the west side of Chicago Ridge, is roughly two to three miles from the village’s residential area. Officials worry that this distance could delay emergency responses, especially for ambulance calls that are often handled by neighboring communities.
Adding a second ambulance would require hiring up to eight more firefighters, according to Muszynski. However, Tokar argued that such an expansion would be financially unfeasible, as it could push the village’s annual pension levy over $1 million. “We can’t afford to hire seven or eight to staff that 24/7,†he said. When it became clear that Muszynski would not agree to the changes, the board asked him to resign through the mayor, and he submitted his letter on Monday.
Christ Schmelzer, president of Chicago Ridge Professional Firefighters Local 3098, described the atmosphere in the firehouse as tense. “There’s a lot of fear among the firefighters. No one has come forward to reassure us,†he said. “Everyone is running around scared.â€
Muszynski, 58, previously worked 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. He noted that ambulances from nearby communities like Alsip, Bridgeview, North Palos, and Oak Lawn frequently respond to calls in Chicago Ridge. Adding another ambulance, he said, could keep more money within the village and better serve residents.
To reduce costs, Tokar suggested cutting the number of firefighter/paramedics per call from two to one and eliminating the practice of sending a fire truck to every ambulance response. Schmelzer revealed that the union now has 12 firefighter/paramedics and one lieutenant, down from 17 a few years ago.
In a letter, Local 3098 highlighted that the fire department handled 87% of its 1,599 ambulance calls last year, with outside agencies only being called when they were already occupied. While the letter acknowledged potential benefits of joining a fire protection district, it urged a thorough evaluation of all options.
A recent letter to residents hinted at significant changes, stating the village would have no issue with a part-time fire department. Both sides are currently engaged in contract negotiations, which have been marked by tension and disagreement.
Firefighters earn a starting salary of $45,000, according to Schmelzer, but the department has only hired one new member in the past decade. Low staffing has led to heavy overtime, with the village paying $45,000 in overtime over just six weeks. The village, however, claims that the highest base salary with benefits exceeds $100,000 annually when including overtime.
Tokar plans to consult more fire department efficiency experts to find solutions for Chicago Ridge. The situation remains fluid, with both the community and the fire department navigating a period of uncertainty.
Thanks, Dieterich.