Blue Island firefighters say a lack of personnel is putting them in danger.
Firefighters say they've been dealing with a manpower shortage for more than 10 years, causing injuries on the job and creating a dangerous situation, NBC5 reported.
"We've been working currently with only 12 guys that are healthy, when normally we have 21 guys on staff," said Ken Dompeling, the president of the Blue Island Firefighters Association.
Firefighters met with the Blue Island City Council Tuesday night to ask officials for help. They say they've been forced to rely on nearby towns to help out with fires, but they're concerned that when those departments are busy, there won't be anyone to take up the slack.
"I don't think we need to negotiate our working conditions so we can go home safe to our families the next day," Dompeling said.
"When you show up at a fire, the first 1 to 2 minutes are the most intense that anybody could ever experience. In order to be better at that, you need more men there immediately," Dompeling said.
The wives of many of the firefighters also appeared at the meeting to show support for their husbands.
"A lot of the guys have kids, and the children are at home and they don't get to see their fathers," said Kathy Luety, whose husband is a firefighter.
The council called for a meeting with the Public Health and Safety commission next month to address the issue further, NBC5 reported.
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