PEORIA Low morale and job insecurity are causing members of the Peoria Fire and Police departments to leave, officials there told members of the City Council on Monday.
And the pandemic s economic devastation has led to large numbers of minorities either retiring or quitting those two departments, causing a decrease in the fire department of Black people from 2019 to 2021. The police department saw its numbers rise from 2019 to 2020, then then saw a drop from 24% to 22% in 2021.
These revelations came during a report on minority hiring efforts within those two departments, given periodically to the council.
Both Assistant Fire Chief James Bachman and Interim Police Chief Doug Theobald said recent budgetary woes have led to a demoralization of staff in those departments.
Peoria, IL, USA 104.9 The Wolf
Mike Sabol/1470-100.3 WMBD
PEORIA, Ill. Public services in Peoria, such as the fire department, police department and snow removal crews, have struggled in various ways since the beginning of the pandemic.
For Peoria Fire and Peoria Public Works, they have been at the mercy of budget cuts made by Peoria City Council in order to balance a budget impacted by COVID-19.
Those budget impacts were brought to life Monday night during the Peoria City Council meeting when a report was given on hiring inside Peoria Fire and Peoria Police.
Assistant Fire Chief James Bachman said nine people have resigned since 2019.
Peoria public safety numbers concern City Council 1470wmbd.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from 1470wmbd.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Midwest Communications
PEORIA, Ill. The City of Peoria is reminding residents that there will be warming centers open throughout the city as temperatures will drop to below zero at times this weekend and next week.
The city announced that the Peoria Police Station, located at 600 SW Adams, will be open, as well as Peoria Fire Stations.
COVID-19 mitigations and masking will be in place at the warming stations to protect staff and visitors.
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Peoria Fire captain dies after 10-year battle with cancer, will be laid to rest Friday
This loss is counted as one of seven recognized by the state of Arizona as an occupational cancer-related death. Author: Rachel Cole Updated: 3:42 AM MST January 29, 2021
PHOENIX
Editor s note: David Rehnke s funeral services will be held on Jan. 29. They will be streamed on the department s Facebook page.
There was sad news announced out of the West Valley on Tuesday as the Peoria Fire Department mourned the loss of one of their own.
Captain Dave Rehnke lost his 10-year long battle with cancer.
This loss is counted as one of seven recognized by the state of Arizona as an occupational cancer-related death.