Boards & Commissions Supporting Documents - 03/08/2011 - Board of Trustees (4)ITEM 10.11.
04't
0:
=open= ���{ �al3 �i li� ��.&.3�1 �ti !? �'s'.P� ti
l _
COUNI
AGENDA ITEM
Regular Board of Trustees Meeting
of
March 8, 2011
SUBJECT: Fire Pensions
FROM: David Niemeyer, Village Manager
BUDGET SOURCE/BUDGET IMPACT: N/A
RECOMMENDED MOTION: N/A
Backaround/History:
Per discussion at the February 22 "d Board Meeting, attached please find a memorandum from
Fire Chief McEllin clarifying the issue of fire pension disabilities
Recommendation:
N/A
I,
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: March 3, 2011
TO: Village President and Village Board of Trustees
FROM: Thomas McEllin, Fire Chief 6"—X
SUBJECT: Fire Pensions
I would like the opportunity to clarify the fire pension disabilities.
Since 1967, there have been eighty -three (83) firefighters hired by the Village.
Of the first thirty-one (3 1) hired from 1967 to 1974, ten (10) received a duty disability.
Of the last fifty -two (52) hired from 1975 -2011, five (5) have received a duty disability.
Significant reasons that disabilities have decreased are as follows:
1.) A very thorough hiring screening process is now implemented. This includes passing a
rigorous physical agility test, psychological test, and extensive physical examination.
2.) A higher emphasis on safety during training and emergencies. This includes the use of
self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA's) on all calls where smoke may be present.
Training standards are required and Incident Safety Officers are assigned at emergency
scenes.
3.) Greater prevention of back injuries such as emphasizing proper lifting techniques as well
as ergonomically engineered ambulance stretchers, which improve lifting onto the
ambulance. More important, the department practice of responding with an engine to
most emergency medical calls so they can assist the two person ambulance crew with
treatment and packaging of patients.
4.) Ventilation systems have been installed in apparatus bays to dispose of vehicle exhaust
emissions.
5.) More thorough, independent disability determination process.
It should also be pointed out that the fire pension board has denied duty disabilities twice.
Overall, six (6) out of the fifteen (15) members on disability pension were eligible to receive a
regular service pension when they were injured. Investments are governed by State statute and
currently limited to 45% in stocks through mutual funds. The balance is invested in bonds. All
transactions are recommended and processed through their certified financial advisors.
U:I