LRIS

“Overtime” versus “over-hire.” Oak Park, Illinois is trying something different: redirecting overtime dollars into six additional full-time firefighters for FY2026. It’s a smart experiment aimed at improving response times and reducing fatigue — and one worth watching for other departments wrestling with the same pressures.

Oak Park board supports ‘over hire’ of six new firefighters - Wednesday Journal The Oak Park Village Board voiced support for an ordinance authorizing salaries and benefits for six new Oak Park firefighters

Wow. A year on the bench is far too long.
Imagine the damage to these officers’ reputations even after they’re cleared.
Being the boss means making tough decisions — not avoiding them.
Kudos to West Palm FOP for holding the commissioners’ feet to the fire. Time to make a decision and move on.

Police union president confronts West Palm Beach commissioners over costly investigation into command staff FOP president says a retired sergeant in the mayor’s office started the probe that’s kept four captains off duty for more than a year