Dolton firefighters hold protest over safety issues, questions surrounding fire chief's eligibility

DOLTON, Ill. (WLS) -- Firefighters in Dolton took to the streets, raising concerns about safety in the south suburbs on Monday.

They say there are questions about the interim fire chief's eligibility, among other issues.

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The union representing Dolton firefighters held an informational picket and called out what they say are safety and liability issues that can ultimately put residents at risk.

Top among their concerns is the status of interim Fire Chief Quention Curtis, who Dolton Mayor Jason House appointed last October. The firefighters say Curtis, who did not come up through the Dolton ranks, is not certified and therefore not qualified to lead the department.

And they say Curtis, a retired Chicago firefighter who founded the Black Fire Brigade, has remained in the position longer than the 180 days allowed by the state for an interim position.

Dolton residents expressed their own concerns about Curtis at Monday's village board meeting, saying these issues could also put firefighters at risk.

"These firemen worked for us with no contract, without pay. They supported this village. So, is this the kind of support we want to show them?" said Dolton resident Mary Avent.

Union representatives also say some of their apparatus is not working, and that there is not enough equipment for firefighters on duty. For instance, they say instead of eight working air packs, they are down to five, and there is one working engine.

"When you call 911, you trust the person in charge is trained, qualified and ready to made an informed decision under pressure. It not only a risk; it's a liability," said Dolton Firefighter Ed Knoblock.

A spokesperson for the village says this protest is not about safety; it is about the fact that overtime has been reduced by more than $30,000.

"This town is safe. That was a ruse. It's irresponsible to put out, this town is unsafe, and talking about a certification that everybody admitted they don't care about," House said.

The village says Curtis is highly qualified and has worked to increase diversity in the department. Curtis says there is an effort to tarnish his reputation for trying to make the department run efficiently.

"These medals ain't here for nothing. They're not a showpiece. I actually did the work. I'm not new to this. I'm true to this," Curtis said.

A lawsuit brought by the Dolton Professional Firefighters Association challenges the appointment of the interim fire chief. The village council says they will defend his appointment in court.