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Schererville Fire Department to hire three part-time firefighters; department and community send thank-you notes
Summary
The Board approved three part-time hires for the Schererville Fire Department, recorded thank-you correspondence from a school and a family, and heard a public comment about a donation to Logan's Love.
The Schererville Board of Safety unanimously approved the hire of three part-time fire department employees on Thursday after reviewing their application packets and recommendations from department leadership.
Fire Chief Robert Patterson presented thank-you correspondence from Saint Michael's School, which held a fundraiser whose winners rode in a fire truck and joined firefighters for lunch, and from the Bradshaw family thanking the department for services provided following the unexpected death of Brian Bradshaw on April 16. Patterson said the department participated with Highland Fire Department in funeral-related assistance and the family sent a note of appreciation.
Chief Patterson asked the board to approve three part-time hires; the board conducted a roll-call vote and the motion passed unanimously. During discussion a board member asked what hiring the three would bring the department's part-time roster to; Patterson estimated "maybe 35" as a ballpark figure for total part-time staff. That estimate was presented as approximation.
Board members clarified differences between part-time and full-time firefighters: the transcript records that part-time employees meet the same job requirements but are "at will," are not sworn personnel, are not eligible for promotion and do not receive benefits other than liability coverage while working. Chief Patterson said full-time hires go through the merit board while part-time hires follow a different administrative process.
During public comment, Georgie Anne Glavis, representing Logan's Love, notified the board of a donation (a transmitter) from the Order of AHEPA and asked how to deliver funds or a check; staff directed her she could drop donations at the fire station. Glavis also invited board members to a Logan's Love golf outing at Wicker Park next Friday and offered to leave flyers for departmental circulation.
The board acknowledged the correspondence and moved on; no budget or ordinance changes were recorded in connection with the hires or donations.
Votes at a glance
- Hire three part-time firefighters (names on agenda): passed by roll call (unanimous). Outcome: approved.
The board discussed proxy and signature questions for an eligibility roster when a member is not physically present; members agreed that if a quorum is present, the board can proceed and a member may sign later in person.
Chief Patterson also announced two new full-time firefighters were sworn in earlier the same day; the swearing was noted as having taken place and board members thanked staff for assistance with the hiring process.
