'Appropriate' Staffing at Elmhurst Fire Department?

ELMHURST, IL – The Elmhurst Fire Department responded to 603 calls in November, which prompted a comment from the firefighters union on staffing levels.

"With total call volume continuing to be at an all-time high, it is imperative now more than ever to keep appropriate staffing levels," the union said on its Facebook page recently.

Patch asked the union what it considered appropriate staffing and what the level is now.

In an email, the union's president, Steve Talaski, said the city and union are negotiating a new contract.

"We do not want to comment on anything publicly at this time," Talaski said.

The current contract is set to expire at year's end.

Patch left a message for comment with the city's spokeswoman.

The union's Facebook post appeared Dec. 3, a few days after a City Council meeting in which aldermen pondered reductions at the fire department. One alderwoman said several on the council believed the fire department has too much equipment.

The fire department shows up at many emergency medical service calls.