Lake Zurich FD to lose some inspectors

The Trib Local has published an article detailing the impact of budget cuts on the Lake Zurich Fire Department. Following the announcement of layoffs and reductions in the village's fire, police, and public works departments, one board member has raised concerns about how these changes might compromise public safety. According to the updated budget, 11 positions will be cut, with five employees laid off. The fire prevention bureau is particularly affected, as it will reduce its staff from four to two. Fire Chief David Wheelock estimates that this reduction could lead to a 30% decrease in fire inspections. Trustee Terry Mastandrea, who served as fire chief for 21 years before retiring in 2011, expressed worry over the potential consequences of fewer inspections. “We don’t have enough people or resources to respond to fires, so the best way is to prevent them,” he said. “Why are we taking a step backward when we need to be concerned about public safety?” Two fire inspector positions are being eliminated, while one will be reclassified as a "fire prevention specialist." This change is expected to save the department nearly $135,000 annually. The new role will involve additional responsibilities, including working alongside the deputy fire marshal. In an effort to offset some of the reduced capacity, the fire department plans to introduce a self-inspection program for low-risk buildings. Property owners would conduct their own checks and report back to the fire prevention bureau. Wheelock hopes to launch the initiative this year. However, Mastandrea questioned the effectiveness of such a plan, noting that businesses may not have a strong incentive to report violations. “We haven’t had a fire loss in years because of our progressive fire prevention efforts and thorough inspection service,” Mastandrea said. “The only way we can ensure buildings are safe is by conducting regular inspections.” Wheelock explained that businesses usually receive one warning before facing penalties for violations. The self-inspection program would target small businesses like offices and local shops with minimal foot traffic. He believes that providing a checklist and guidance for building owners is a reasonable approach, adding that even low-risk buildings would still be inspected at least once every other year. Additionally, Lake Zurich generates approximately $32,000 annually by conducting fire inspections for neighboring towns such as Deer Park and Kildeer. However, the current reduction in inspections will only affect the local area, as businesses in Lake Zurich do not pay an inspection fee.

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