WASHINGTON PARK, Ill. — City officials are looking to appoint a new fire chief after an unanticipated resignation Wednesday.
KMOV reported that Chief Mark Norris resigned and was followed by several volunteer firefighters stepping down as well.
“I feel for the community. We love what we do, but we also have to think about ourselves as well. We’re not getting treated the way we should be treated,” one firefighter said.
The Village of Washington Park stopped paying their firefighters in order to save money, according to the report. After one year of volunteering, they were told to re-apply for their jobs.
For some, it was just another reason to leave after a long list of deteriorating resources. One firefighter said trucks keep breaking down and new equipment is needed, according to the report.
The department said 10 of the firefighters were volunteers. On Wednesday, seven stepped down.