I just got off the phone with a few of my firefighter friends in Merrionette Park, and things seem to be taking a turn for the worse. It's hard to believe that so much has changed in such a short amount of time. From what I’ve heard, over a dozen firefighters either resigned or weren't re-appointed, which has left the department severely understaffed—basically operating at less than half its normal capacity. But despite this, Fire Chief Tom Wendt insists everything is under control.
Merrionette Park isn't exactly a bustling metropolis—it's smaller than half a square mile—but having a reliable fire department is crucial for safety. The firefighters here are on-call, meaning they only get paid when they respond to emergencies, and they're appointed annually. It’s a unique setup, but it seems like it's causing some serious problems right now.
Tony Calzaretta, who serves as the vice president of the Merrionette Park Firefighters Association, told me that he and 13 others stepped down after Chief Wendt made some big changes. Specifically, he replaced three veteran officers—a deputy chief, a captain, and a lieutenant. This move didn’t sit well with many of the firefighters, especially since Chief Wendt took over just last month following the retirement of longtime Chief Len Edling.
According to Calzaretta, some of the firefighters who left weren’t even showing up for most calls anyway. Wendt plans to bring on 10 new recruits at the upcoming village board meeting on May 17th. He also mentioned that starting next month, two firefighters will be stationed at the firehouse around the clock. That sounds like a good idea in theory, but Calzaretta isn’t convinced. He believes the newcomers won’t have the same level of expertise or experience as those they’re replacing.
“They’re going to bring in outsiders and younger guys who haven’t worked in firefighting before,†Calzaretta explained. “All the knowledge and experience that these veterans had—that deep understanding of the town, the equipment, how things operate—is about to walk out the door.â€
It’s a tough situation because these firefighters aren’t just numbers on a roster—they’re people who’ve dedicated years of their lives to protecting Merrionette Park. Take a look at the list from the Merrionette Park Firefighters Association Facebook page. There’s Deputy Chief Pat Carter, who’s been there for 17 years, Captain Tom Ziolkowski with 15 years under his belt, and Lieutenant Jim Carter with eight. And then there are others like Tony Calzaretta, who recently resigned after seven years of service. Each one of them has put in thousands—if not hundreds of thousands—of hours of work, whether responding to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, or volunteering countless unpaid hours to keep the community safe.
These firefighters did more than just their jobs; they gave back to the community in ways that can’t always be measured. They participated in charity events, trained tirelessly to stay sharp, and even volunteered extra time at the firehouse to ensure there was always someone available when needed. It’s heartbreaking to see so many talented individuals leave, especially knowing how much they’ve contributed to making the department what it is today.
When you talk to firefighters in nearby towns, they’ll tell you how far the Merrionette Park Fire Department has come in just ten years. A lot of that progress is thanks to these very men and women. Their departure feels like losing a piece of history. As one of the posts on their Facebook page put it, this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about relationships, dedication, and sacrifice. Over 120 years of combined service are walking out the door, and it’s sad to think about what might come next.
led steering wheel vw,led carbon fiber steering wheel,vw led steering wheel
TD DYNAMICS CO., LIMITED , https://www.tddynamics.com