Oak Lawn fire chief to add Chicago Ridge to his duties

The Southtown Star recently published an article about the replacement for the Chicago Ridge fire chief, who resigned recently:

George Sheets, the current fire chief of Oak Lawn, is set to take on a new role—without leaving his current position. A unanimous agreement approved by the village board on Tuesday night allows Sheets to continue as Oak Lawn’s fire chief while also leading the Chicago Ridge Fire Department through 2016.

Oak Lawn Village Manager Larry Deetjen confirmed that the Chicago Ridge Village Board is expected to approve the arrangement at its meeting on July 15. According to Deetjen, the idea came from Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar, who approached Oak Lawn with the proposal for Sheets to serve both communities. However, Tokar was unavailable for comment late Tuesday regarding the potential transition.

This development follows the recent resignation of Chicago Ridge Fire Chief Robert Muszynski, who cited “personal differences” with village officials, particularly Mayor Tokar, over proposed changes to the fire department. Several Chicago Ridge trustees have indicated that Muszynski stepped down at Tokar’s urging, though the board formally accepted his resignation last month.

The tension in the department escalated after the village board encouraged Tokar to explore more efficient ways to provide firefighting and ambulance services. This has raised concerns among firefighters about job security, as potential changes could involve hiring a private ambulance service or even disbanding the fire department in favor of joining a fire protection district.

Last month, Christ Schmelzer, president of Chicago Ridge Professional Firefighters Local 3098, described the atmosphere in the firehouse as tense following Muszynski’s departure and the uncertainty surrounding the department’s future.

Deetjen did not comment directly on Chicago Ridge’s plans for firefighting or ambulance services but emphasized that there are “ample opportunities to run fire departments more efficiently.” He added that he expects Sheets to quickly get to know the 13 firefighters in Chicago Ridge during their upcoming meeting.

Thanks Dan

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