From Phil Stenholm:
Another chapter in the history of the Evanston Fire Department:
It was a challenging start to 1974 for the Evanston Fire Department (EFD). Within about a month, two major fires broke out in the city. First, there was an extra-alarm fire at the service department of Humphrey Chevrolet on Chicago Avenue in late January. Then, barely a month later, came a massive blaze at the Marblecast Company warehouse on Ridge Avenue.
The Humphrey Chevrolet fire erupted on a Sunday afternoon in January. Flames quickly spread through the service department, fueled by vehicles, gasoline, and other flammable materials stored inside. Firefighters from Engine 22 and Squad 21 initially tackled the fire with handlines. However, worsening conditions inside the garage forced them to retreat temporarily. Engine 24 set up at Hinman and Keeney to supply water, while Engines 21 and 23 responded to the second alarm, setting up multiple hose lines. Despite their efforts, the service department was gutted, and several vehicles were destroyed. The total damage was estimated at $160,000.
Not long after, in early February, the EFD responded to another significant fire at the Marblecast warehouse. Located in the old Bowman Dairy building, the blaze began inside. Initial firefighting efforts focused on interior attacks with handlines, while Truck 21 worked to ventilate the roof. When the situation escalated, F-2 called for a second alarm, bringing additional resources. Mutual aid was requested from Wilmette, but even with these reinforcements, the fire spread rapidly. Firefighters eventually had to abandon efforts to control it internally and shifted to a defensive strategy.
Truck 21 and Truck 22 positioned themselves on opposite sides of the building, using elevated master streams to douse the flames after the roof collapsed. Ground ladders reached the adjacent Fields Cadillac dealership, where the general manager and employees managed to move several cars out of harm's way. A full Code 10 was declared, calling in off-duty personnel. The dealership was saved, but the warehouse was completely gutted. The fire caused an estimated $543,000 in damages, making it the sixth-largest fire loss in Evanston's history at that time.
The 1960s saw a growing militancy within IAFF Local 742, thanks in large part to Captain Michael Lass. Although he left the EFD in 1971 to become an IAFF field representative, the union remained just as assertive under Captain William Currie. Tensions came to a head in February 1974 when 88 firefighters walked out on strike. Demanding a 10% pay increase and a shorter workweek, they held firm after the city refused negotiations. Picket lines formed outside the five fire stations, with chiefs, auxiliary firefighters, and other city staff stepping in to maintain coverage.
An emergency court injunction was sought but delayed, allowing the strike to continue for 53 hours. Ultimately, firefighters returned to work on March 2nd. While city officials claimed victory, the council acknowledged Local 742 as the official bargaining unit. This led to substantial pay increases and a reduction in the average workweek from 56 to 54 hours. By 1977, top-tier salaries had risen significantly, reflecting both wage hikes and reduced hours.
A key change came with the reintroduction of "Short Days," replacing the older "Kelly Day" system. Starting in 1975, firefighters earned an extra day off every twelve weeks. To accommodate this, one captain position in the Fire Prevention Bureau was eliminated, expanding the department to 102 members.
Fast forward to 1985, and the Collective Bargaining Bill granted legal rights to Illinois firefighters, banning strikes. Yet Evanston firefighters achieved these gains earlier through bold actions in 1974. Their willingness to strike resulted in better wages, improved working conditions, and a shorter workweek, paving the way for future agreements.
This episode not only highlights the challenges faced by the EFD but also underscores the critical role unions played in improving firefighter livelihoods during this era.
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