CFD Personnel Reorganization – update 2
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The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), which oversees the 9-1-1 communications center, is set to implement a series of personnel changes that will take effect on January 1, 2012. These adjustments will impact both fire and police communications staff. Among the key changes for the fire department are the following:
- Four senior alarm board operators will be demoted to the role of dispatcher.
- Two dispatchers will be reclassified as call takers.
- At least five call takers will be laid off.
Currently, each shift has a senior alarm board operator assigned to both the Englewood and Main operations. Starting January 1st, one individual will be responsible for managing both areas, which could lead to increased workloads and potential service delays.
According to a post on the OEMC Facebook page, pink slips and demotion notices were handed out to 911 operators on Friday, December 16, 2011. The news has sparked concern among employees and local officials alike.
CBS Chicago reported on statements from Shanita Carter, an OEMC supervisor, who expressed worries about the impact of these cuts. She warned that laying off already overworked and understaffed call takers would severely affect emergency response times, particularly in high-crime neighborhoods. "That means the city of Chicago is in dire trouble because they won’t get proper service," she said. "In the higher-crime communities, there's already a delay in service — and I live in one of them. There’s going to be even more delays."
Carter also highlighted the importance of supervisors, who play a crucial role in training and supporting call takers. "They’re overworked and burned out," she added. "We can't stretch them any thinner."
Earlier this week, 28 aldermen signed a letter expressing concerns over the city's budget cuts, with many feeling that some reductions go too far. Cuts to the OEMC were especially alarming, as they could result in the loss of dozens of jobs. Similar concerns were raised about cuts to the library system and other city services under Mayor Emanuel's plan.