The Landmark.com recently published an opinion piece discussing a controversial proposal in North Riverside to privatize the local fire department. The article highlights growing concerns among residents and public workers about the village’s financial management and political decisions.
Pardon the residents of North Riverside if they feel embarrassed these days. Known for their hard work, fairness, and accountability, they’ve consistently paid their taxes with the belief that their elected officials are managing village affairs responsibly. Unfortunately, it appears that this trust has been betrayed. For years, local politicians have misused public funds, including diverting money meant for police and firefighter pensions into other areas. This is not just poor governance—it's a serious misuse of taxpayer dollars.
In five of the last ten fiscal years, the village board failed to contribute even a single dollar to the firefighters’ pension fund. Now, Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr. is pushing to privatize the fire department—not because the current team isn’t capable, but to access more funding that should be dedicated to public safety. The truth is, North Riverside firefighters are among the most professional in the Midwest. Their mayor, however, seems more interested in exploiting the situation for political gain than ensuring the well-being of his community.
This isn’t a new issue. In 2011, The Landmark reported on warnings from Trustee Rocco DeSantis about potential lawsuits due to the village’s failure to meet its legal obligations to pension funds. DeSantis also criticized the board for hypocrisy, as their own pensions were being properly funded through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.
Privatizing a public fire department raises serious questions about ethics and accountability. Public service isn’t about profit—especially not legally. Yet, Mayor Hermanek’s actions suggest otherwise. His plan threatens the safety of all North Riverside residents, who rely on a strong, well-funded public fire department to protect their homes and families.
This isn’t just a matter of embarrassment for taxpayers—it’s a deep betrayal of public trust. The mayor and village board are putting politics ahead of people, and the consequences could be dire.
Pat Devaney, president of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, has spoken out against the move, emphasizing that no one should profit from public safety. Meanwhile, the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the firefighters' union is prepared to take legal action if the plan moves forward.
The union claims the proposed privatization would violate state labor laws and puts the fire department at risk. Since 2008, the village has underfunded both police and firefighter pensions, leaving them only 40% funded. With new state laws allowing tax garnishment for delinquent payments, the pressure is mounting.
Mayor Hermanek argues the privatization is a way to address the $1.9 million deficit, but critics say the real motive is to avoid paying pensions and to benefit a private company that supports his political party. The proposed contract with Paramedic Services of Illinois includes significant changes to benefits and pensions, which the union strongly opposes.
As the debate continues, North Riverside remains at a crossroads. The decision to privatize the fire department could set a dangerous precedent—and put the safety of its citizens at risk.
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