Chicago Firefighters Union Points to Ongoing Apparatus Woes in Deadly Fire

Firefighters continue to share concerns about the fire department's aging fleet, saying a deadly fire recently was impacted by rigs that are out of service, or spare apparatus with mechanical issues.

The arson fire claimed the lives of four people, but firefighters were able to rescue several occupants. 

Chicago Fire Department Local 2 President Patrick Cleary told WGN that one apparatus, a spare aerial platform, had mechanical issues as they set up for rescues at the deadly fire.

“They had to shut it off, wait a couple of seconds, turn it back on, and get the tower ladder to work,” Cleary told the television station.

Cleary added that the neighborhood's Snorkel Squad rig was out of service during the fire and crews would have used it for rescues. 

“When you drag people to the window, you put them in the snorkel basket," said Cleary. "Same thing with the tower ladder. They have a basket, so now you’re not carrying them down to the ground."

When the television station contacted the mayor's office, they shared that Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to update equipment but is looking at lagging revenue. 

Former firefighter and city Alderman Nick Sposato told WGN that the city needs to expedite repairs of emergency vehicles and start buying new apparatus right away. The money is the issue, he said.

“Not pay more taxes and try and get through with what we have right now?  To me I would rather pay more taxes,” Sposato said. “But I’m an elected official and that’s the last thing the people want to hear me saying. But public safety is the upmost important to me. We got to upgrade our rigs.”