Firefighters tell Franklin Park trustees staffing, overtime trends are a public-safety risk

Firefighter/Paramedic Bart Borowiec told the Franklin Park Board of Trustees on April 6 that negotiations with the union began in December 2024 and that department membership has dropped from 43 to 31, with two members prepared to submit resignations and more departures possible. He described the decline as unsustainable and said it raises public-safety concerns while the department’s overtime budget is at its highest level.

Firefighter/Paramedic Peter Hassett said the department’s 24-hour and, in some cases, 48-hour schedules have produced fatigue and mental-health strain among personnel, calling out sleep deprivation, depression and heightened anxiety as likely outcomes of sustained staffing shortages. Firefighter/Paramedic Kevin Bartnicki said overtime demands have caused him to miss important family events and placed strains on his spouse’s employment; he said some members are considering leaving for jobs with higher pay.

Village Attorney Joseph Montana said his office has communicated with the union’s legal counsel and is working to set a schedule for mitigation and bargaining. The meeting record does not show a timetable or specific personnel changes resulting from those discussions.

Trustee William Ruhl, reporting for the Police and Fire Committee, provided department activity data noting the fire department received 324 service calls; Ruhl also reported there are three firefighter/paramedic vacancies and three personnel out on injury. Committee reports and public comments underscored both operational strain and concerns about worker safety and retention.

The board later entered executive session to discuss salary schedules and collective bargaining and returned with no action taken. The clerk noted all members returned to the meeting before it adjourned at 8:19 p.m.