CLARENDON HILLS, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- More details are emerging about the investigation that led to the removal of the fire chief in Clarendon Hills.
The investigation found that there were nearly 1,600 violations of the so-called “callback” rules, costing the village about $53,000 over a four-year period ending last year.
Five to six individuals accounted for 60-70% of the violations, according to a report released by the village's administration.
The reports also says that long-time former Chief, Brian Leahy, said he was shocked to hear there were more than 1,000 violations.
He increased the number of personnel staffing the fire house from three to four in 2020 to cut down on the number of callbacks. The report also noted paramedics complained that on-call firefighters abused the callback system.
"At the same time the Chief acknowledged he was in charge, and it was his job to make sure procedures and guidelines were followed," the report stated.
The village has made a number of changes since becoming aware of the violations including pausing callbacks and putting in "proper internal controls" to prevent future issues.
Furthermore, the report states that employees without proper training were removed from shifts and the required training was scheduled. Employees have also received ethics training as well as extended training on proper payroll procedures.
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