WI Firefighters Booed at South Beloit, IL Parade by Angry Residents

Community anger over a plan to address chronic staffing shortages of firefighters in South Beloit boiled over Friday during the annual homecoming game.

An agreement went into effect Friday morning for the Town of Beloit Fire Department to staff the South Beloit Fire Department as a way to solve longstanding staffing shortages.

An ambulance crew from the Wisconsin department participating in the parade and at the homecoming game was booed and yelled at, according to The Kaukauna Community News. 

Many in the community opposed the plan, and they didn't roll out the welcome mat to the EMS and firefighters who will be answering their calls for help. 

“Whether you believe in this decision or not, the crews are doing the best that they can. It is very disheartening that the ambulance crew was booed and yelled at during the homecoming parade and at the football game,” the Town of Beloit Fire Department wrote. 

“Rather then doing this, please reach out to your local counselors, board members or the fire chief for any concerns that you may have. Let the firefighters/medics do their jobs without feeling threatened.”