Crime & Safety

Consultant Recommends Cutting Barrington Firefighting Staff by 20-22

The consultant spoke before the Board of Trustees Monday to discuss a new staffing model when the village of Barrington parts ways with the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District.

As the Barrington Fire Department and Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District prepare to part ways, a consultant spoke before the Board of Trustees Monday to share thoughts on what should be done regarding staffing.

A statement from the village of Barrington outlines the consultant’s recommendations to cut staffing come Jan. 1, 2014. At that time, the village will no longer need 39 personnel provide service for the 51-square mile fire protection district, according to village officials. 

Read more on why the village of Barrington and the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District are parting ways. 

Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Option One: 16 sworn personnel, including 14 operations and 2 administrative positions.
  • Option Two: 18 sworn personnel, including 16 operations and 2 administrative positions.

Option One would require that the village lay-off 22 personnel, and Option Two would mean 20 would lose their jobs. The village has urged the fire protection district to hire the firefighters who would be laid off.

According to the Daily Herald, Option Two would cost the village $80,000 more than it pays for fire service today. Option One would be more affordable but would offer less staffing. The village will make a decision on what option to choose in August.  

Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We can all agree that one Barrington Fire Department that serves Barrington residents first and foremost is right for Barrington,” said Village President Karen Darch in a statement sent to Patch. “Whichever option we endorse, it will support our desire for a fully staffed fire department that delivers robust service. The old model served the Barrington Fire Protection District well. But the new model, because of the staffing and cost benefits it will deliver, will serve Barrington residents better.” 

Meanwhile, the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District hired former New Lenox Fire Chief Jeff Swanson Monday to head their team as the interim administrator at the cost of $122,000 per year. The district also decided to use Paramedic Services of Illinois to provide firefighters for next year, the Daily Herald reports. 


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