The Trib Local has published a story exploring the impact of budget cuts on the Lake Zurich Fire Department. As part of a broader effort to reduce expenses, the village has announced layoffs and job reductions across several departments, including fire, police, and public works. This has sparked concerns from local officials about how these changes might affect public safety. According to the proposed budget, 11 positions will be cut in total, with five employees being laid off. The fire prevention bureau is particularly hard-hit, as it will reduce its staff from four to just two. Fire Chief David Wheelock stated that this reduction could lead to a 30% decrease in fire inspections, raising alarms among residents and former officials. Terry Mastandrea, a long-time trustee and former fire chief who served for 21 years before retiring in 2011, voiced his concerns about the potential risks of cutting back on inspections. He emphasized that preventing fires is the most effective way to ensure public safety, especially when resources are limited. “We don’t have enough people or resources to respond to fires, so the best way is to prevent them,†he said. “Why are we taking a step backward when we need to be concerned about public safety?†The budget also outlines changes in staffing within the fire prevention bureau. Two inspector roles will be eliminated, while one position will be reclassified as a "fire prevention specialist." This new role will involve additional responsibilities, including collaboration with the deputy fire marshal. The shift is expected to save the department nearly $135,000 annually. To offset some of the lost capacity, the fire department plans to introduce a self-inspection program for low-risk buildings. Business owners would be encouraged to conduct their own checks and report findings to the fire prevention bureau. Chief Wheelock hopes to launch the initiative this year. However, Mastandrea remains skeptical about the effectiveness of such a program. He pointed out that without real consequences for non-compliance, businesses may not take the initiative seriously. “We haven’t had a fire loss in years because of our strong fire prevention efforts,†he said. “The only way to make sure buildings are safe is to inspect them ourselves.†Wheelock explained that businesses will typically receive one warning before facing penalties for violations. The self-inspection program is aimed at small businesses, such as offices and family-owned shops, which pose lower fire risks. He believes that even with the reduced number of inspections, these buildings will still be checked at least once every other year by a qualified inspector. Additionally, Lake Zurich generates about $32,000 annually by conducting fire inspections for neighboring towns like Deer Park and Kildeer. However, the inspection cuts will only apply to local businesses, as they do not pay an inspection fee. This has led to further debate over the fairness and long-term implications of the budget decisions. GUANGDONG NIULI LOGISTICS MACHINERY TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD. , https://www.gdniulilogistics.com