CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An ordinance proposed in the Chicago City Council Wednesday would set fines and jail time for people who attack city paramedics when they’re doing their jobs.
Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th) said there have been too many instances in which paramedics have come under attack — being beaten or shot at — either by patients or people in the neighborhoods as the paramedics were trying to help someone in need.
“There are many photographs where paramedics have been brutally beaten, which is unacceptable and we need to do more as a city, as a government, to support them and to protect them,” the alderman said.
O’Shea said part of the problem is the city is down 1,700 police officers from three years ago so paramedics don’t get the back-up they might normally receive.
“If the police can’t respond, police can’t be there to support them, to protect them, where are we at as a society?” O’Shea said.
O’Shea’s proposal would impose a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail for anyone who attacks a first responder on-duty.
Firefighter and Firefighter Union Local 2 PR director Pat Quane called O’Shea’s proposal “a small step toward protecting first responders, who rush to dangerous situations, unarmed and simply trying to save the lives of victims of violence, accidents and drug overdoses on the streets of Chicago.”
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!