Kankakee fire chief flags staffing shortfalls, vehicle-replacement plan and ambulance lead times

Fire Chief LaRoche told the Kankakee City Public Safety Committee that the department faces near‑term staffing and fleet challenges and presented a preliminary vehicle‑replacement plan at the meeting.

Why it matters: Shortfalls in fire staffing, rising overtime in specific months, aging apparatus and long procurement lead times for ambulances can affect emergency response capacity and near‑term budgeting decisions.

LaRoche said five shifts were unstaffed in the month reported (three employees on FMLA or injury, one potentially returning soon, and one expected resignation), and that the department is actively recruiting. He described January expenses of $78,504 and a January overtime bill of $43,138.31 tied to 7,781 overtime hours; he said the overtime spike reflected staffing shortages and shift-transfer timing but that about 46% of the fiscal‑year overtime budget remained.

The chief outlined cost‑saving practices from a vehicle‑maintenance committee that has completed minor work in‑house to reduce vendor shop hours and expense. He described a regional shared‑mechanic idea that would employ emergency vehicle technicians (EVTs) with specialty training in aerial devices and pumps; LaRoche said either hiring a certified EVT or up‑skilling a mechanic would be needed and that a regional approach could make salaries sustainable.

LaRoche reported that Engine 1 and Tower 1 were taken out of service and were offered for sale or scrapping; bids received so far were for scrap value only. He said the department has ordered a new engine and aerial (projected for delivery in 2025) and emphasized the need to plan for a new ambulance, noting typical delivery lead time for a new chassis is about 2½ years. LaRoche pointed to shorter‑lead alternatives, including 'demo' ambulances and remounted boxes on newer chassis, if the city secures funding quickly.

On prevention and training, the chief reported six public‑education events and 110 life‑safety inspections in January, broad distribution and installation of smoke and carbon‑monoxide detectors, ice‑rescue training and ongoing high‑rise outreach. He reported December fire-billing collections of $4,800 and December EMS collections of $357,247.64 and gave year‑to‑date collection totals as read in the report.

LaRoche described the vehicle‑replacement plan as a starter document intended to prompt budget committee and city management discussion; he requested additional input before any formal commitments.

The committee did not take formal action on the vehicle-replacement plan during the meeting; members expressed support for continued planning and a desire to balance short‑term needs with financing options such as grants, leasing or loans.