(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A northwest Indiana fire department reached a settlement with the City of East Chicago following what it said was a botched fire response.
East Chicago Professional Firefighters Local 365 claimed Mayor Anthony Copeland’s mismanagement of resources led to a public safety threat in their response to a 2021 fire.
The St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home for children in crisis went up in flames on May 16 of that year.
Due to downsizing at the fire department, the ECFD said they were unable to comply with the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Respiratory Protection standard.
The regulations require two firefighters together inside, with two more on standby outside, when entering a burning building.
In January 2023, the City of East Chicago reached a settlement after receiving a Safety Order and Notification Penalty issued by Indiana OSHA.
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