August 31, 2008: New CFD Commissioner John Brooks

The 50-year-old Brooks is a 28-year veteran of the department. He was first deputy commissioner before Mayor Daley promoted him.

We'll find out Brooks' plans for the department. We'll also ask about the department's new $22 million digital radio communications system.

Also, the city has a severe budget crisis. We'll ask Commissioner Brooks if he will fight to retain all of his 5,000 firefighters and paramedics. Has he been asked to make cuts? If so, how would the cuts be made? And how would such cuts affect public safety?

One of his goals is to increase diversity in the department. We'll ask how he plans to achieve it.

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