According to a recent article in The Southtown Star, Oak Lawn and Chicago Ridge have entered into an interesting arrangement regarding the sharing of firefighting services. Oak Lawn Fire Chief George Sheets will now oversee the entire Chicago Ridge Fire Department, though staffing decisions remain with the Chicago Ridge mayor and trustees. This unique partnership was officially endorsed by both village boards after being approved earlier this month. The Southtown Star managed to get hold of the official agreement via Illinois' Freedom of Information Act. As per the terms of the deal, which went into effect on July 15 for Chicago Ridge and July 8 for Oak Lawn, Sheets will retain all traditional responsibilities typically associated with a fire chief. He’ll be handling everything from personnel management to equipment oversight for the Chicago Ridge Fire Department until 2016. However, it's worth noting that staffing will still fall under the jurisdiction of the Chicago Ridge mayor and trustees. Despite this, Sheets holds authority over disciplinary actions concerning fire personnel. According to the document, Chicago Ridge, which currently employs 13 firefighter/paramedics, will contribute one-third of Sheets' yearly salary. This financial obligation arises because Sheets is expected to dedicate at least a third of his time to managing and administrating the Chicago Ridge Fire Department. Since Sheets began his role as Chicago Ridge's fire chief on July 15, the village will cover one-third of his salary for the remainder of 2014, amounting to $37,695. This financial commitment will continue throughout 2015 and 2016, the duration of the current contract. It's also stated that Chicago Ridge could terminate Sheets' position at any moment, provided it's for legal reasons. In such a scenario, however, the village would still be responsible for paying him until the end of the agreement in 2016. Both parties involved in the agreement have clarified that Sheets won't be eligible for civil service protections, pensions, workers' compensation, health insurance, or disability benefits through Chicago Ridge. Instead, he'll continue receiving these benefits as a full-time employee of Oak Lawn. Additionally, any legal disputes arising from Sheets' actions within either village wouldn’t involve the other village as a party in litigation. Thanks again, Dan! 19 Inches Motorcycle Magnesium Wheels 19 Inches Motorcycle Magnesium Wheels,Weld Off Road Rims,Cast Magnesium Wheels,19 Inch Alloy Wheels Shamora Material Industry , https://www.shamorawheels.com
Oak Lawn fire chief to add Chicago Ridge to his duties (more)