(From WEEK News 25) - Peoria Heights village officials have entered into an agreement with the Peoria Fire Department to respond along side Peoria Heights Fire Department volunteers.
This, after nearly ten Heights volunteer firefighters resigned a week ago.
Mayor Mark Allen says personnel issues with the Fire Department were first brought to his attention in September.
He says he talked to the Chief Norm Reichert and was under the impression issues had been resolved.
But last week things reached a breaking point, including the loss of Assistant Chief Kenny Martin.
Mayor Allen says it is a personnel issue, but Martin was not fired.
The reduction of the volunteer force by nearly 40% made village leaders consider temporary options
"These are numbers that even though we feel with our mutual aid agreements with the communities around us we feel we could handle the fires or the calls that would come in. We just want to be doubly safe until our numbers get back up," says Mayor Allen.
At a public meeting Monday night it seemed some firefighters that have hung up their hat want back on the department, but only if they see significant changes in how things are run.
"I think it's disconcerting when somebody leaves that public safety service. But again, based on what the reasons were for leaving it would be totally up to the fire Chief as to whether anyone would ever be admitted back in," says Mayor Allen.
The full details on the agreement with the city of Peoria are still being worked out.
Mayor Allen says it is based on a per hour basis, meaning no fires, no cost to Peoria Heights.
Officials do have a verbal agreement in case of an emergency, but the final plan won't go to the full village board for approval until January third.
They are also working to recruit about 10-15 new firefighters. And they plan to hold an informational open house for those interested toward the end of January or beginning of February.
