- The Department has apparently discovered that there is a problem with the helmets that were issued to all Deparmtment members. The helmet shield cannot be lowered while wearing a gas mask. How does the Department intend on fixing the problem?
Those officers in voluntary units (tactical teams, etc) may be required to purchase a new helmet or be reassigned. The cost of the new helmet is upwards of $200.00.
The Lodge's position is that these new helmets would be the subject of a first issue item. Any member who is told that he is required to purchase a new helmet as a condition of remaining in his current assignment should contact the Lodge immediately.
Actually, this shouldn't be an issue - the gas teams from years gone by will not be utilized downtown. Seems the brass is a little intimidated by the old newsreels of years gone by of the gas clouds drifting over Michigan Avenue along with the footage of the Bulls riots and have vowed it won't happen this time. So the tanks sit unused, with lapsed certifications and no plans to fill them for the summer of 2012.
But the FOP is certainly correct in that the City must provide required equipment as first issue.
But the FOP is certainly correct in that the City must provide required equipment as first issue.