One source called Hoff's resignation "imminent" and said it's for personal reasons, not because of any differences with the new mayor.
Created: February 16, 2012
Chicago Fire Department
Commissioner Robert Hoff
Commissioner Robert Hoff
Mayor Richard Daley appointed Robert S. Hoff as Chicago Fire Commissioner. Hoff, 54, is a 33-year veteran of the fire department and one of its most decorated members. Since 2008, he has served as...
Mayor Richard Daley appointed Robert S. Hoff as Chicago Fire Commissioner. Hoff, 54, is a 33-year veteran of the fire department and one of its most decorated members. Since 2008, he has served as First Deputy Commissioner.
Chicago Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff plans to announce his resignation Thursday, the head of the firefighters union said Wednesday night.
Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 President Thomas Ryan announced Hoff's planned departure at a union meeting. Ryan told union members that Hoff had told him "it was time to go."
Another source familiar with the situation called Hoff's resignation "imminent" and said it is for personal reasons, not because of any policy differences with the new mayor, Rahm Emanuel.
Hoff, a third-generation hero firefighter, was appointed by then-Mayor Richard Daley to lead the department in June 2010. Hoff was popular with the rank and file.
"Unless you crawled that hall, with flames licking over your head, you don't know what it's like to be there," Ryan said. "I know it's a cliche, but in a job like this, you need somebody who understands what that's like."
Hoff, a fire veteran of more than 30 years, twice was awarded the department's top honor for bravery. In 1992, he rescued elderly residents from burning buildings after a gas explosion. In 1997, he saved 4-year-old twin boys from an Englewood building fire. Hoff also spent 21 days in a burn unit after suffering injuries fighting a fire in 1984.
Hoff did not return calls seeking comment Wednesday. Representatives for Emanuel and the Fire Department said they could not confirm Hoff's departure.
Hoff leaves as the union is about to start negotiations on a new contract with the city. In October, Emanuel said he would not rule out trying to cut the number of firefighters per truck or closing firehouses to save money.
Emanuel was responding to Hoff's testimony at a budget hearing that he's "deathly against" closing firehouses and reducing truck staffing.
Fire commish 'literally deathly against' cuts in fire staffing
Chicago Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff is drawing a line in the sand when it comes to closing firehouses or reducing the minimum staffing requirements on fire apparatus.
He's dead-set against the idea. That's even though his boss, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, is expected to take a hard line in negotiations with the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 when the contract expires June 30.
Inspector General Joe Ferguson has estimated that Chicago taxpayers could save $57 million a year by reducing - from five to four - the minimum number of employees required to staff every piece of fire apparatus.
That's the issue that touched off the bitter 1980 firefighters strike.
Testifying Tuesday at City Council budget hearings, Hoff lashed out at Ferguson for daring to suggest staffing cuts.
"Not being a firefighter or paramedic, it's easy to look from the outside in and say, 'This is how we save money.' But I, as fire commissioner, will be adamant when I say this. Any decrease in manning - any decrease in fire companies, ambulances or closing of firehouses - I am literally deathly against," Hoff said.
"If you have a five-person fire company, you are 100 percent efficient when you pull up on the scene. Everyone has a task to perform. Going to four-person companies is 65 percent efficient."
Hoff noted that, when he came on the job in 1976, civilian fire deaths were in the "triple-digits." This year, it's 17 because of the people the department puts on the street, he said.
"To go below the current amount we have would not be a safe act. . . . Our fire deaths will go up," he said.
"We're here to save civilians' lives, but I also have to think of the paramedics and firefighters. If a firefighter has to do a double-function on the fire ground, his life or her life is in danger."
During a meeting this month with the Sun-Times editorial board, Emanuel hinted strongly that the upcoming contract talks would be contentious.
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On Saturday, the Funeral Procession will pass Wilkes-Barre Fire Headquarters, 20-22 East Ross Street, Wilkes-Barre, to enable his on duty Brother Fire Fighters a chance to give a final Salute to Norm.
Understanding the Brotherhood among Fire Fighters and the respect and affection that Norman had with numerous Departments and Unions in the State of PA, Wilkes-Barre City Fire Fighters welcome his friends to join us in this Final Salute.
Before 1300 hours, Wilkes-Barre Fire Fighters will assemble on East Ross Street, west of Gildersleeve Street, and we request his friends to assemble on East Ross Street, east of Gildersleeve Street.
Class "A" uniforms preferred for off duty W-B Fire Fighters and Friends.
I am sure Norman was looking down at us and was speechless to see the respect and affection that is Brother and Sister Fire Fighters demonstrated at the Salute to Norm at Fire Headquarters as his funeral procession passed by.
Wilkes-Barre City Fire Fighters would like to personally thank all the Fire Fighters who joined us today and at the viewing yesterday.
Fire Fighters from the International Association of Fire Fighters, Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighter Association, NorthEast Professional Fire Fighters Association, Kingston, Plains, Hanover, Nanticoke, Scranton, Hazleton, Williamsport, Bethlehem, Lancaster, Johnstown, Allentown, Erie, Upper Darby, McKeesport, and Prince William County, Va. were in attendance. Also Hanover Medic 9 stood by to handle EMS calls during the procession. Again, Thank You ALL.
Notice of Passing of Retired Assistant Chief Norman Davis
It is with great sympathy that Local 104 announces the passing of Retired Assistant Chief Norm Davis today.
MR. NORMAN H. (BUTCH) DAVIS JR.
JULY 27, 2011
Wilkes-Barre City Assistant Fire Chief Retired, Mr. Norman H. (Butch) Davis Jr., 63 of Kirkendall Avenue Wilkes-Barre, passed into Eternal Life unexpectedly Wednesday morning at his residence.
Born September 16, 1947 in Ashley, he was a son of Mrs. Mildred (Lutes) Davis of West Virginia and the late Norman Davis Sr.
Educated in the city schools, he was a graduate of the G.A.R. Memorial High School, Wilkes-Barre. He later furthered his education by attaining courses in paralegal assistance.
A veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, Butch proudly served our country with the United States Marine Corps, earning the rank of Corporal upon his honorable discharge. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Rifle Marksman Badge for his duties to country.
Until his recent retirement in January of this year, Butch served the citizens of Wilkes-Barre City as a member of the Bureau of Fire, earning the rank of Assistant Chief at the time of his departure. He was well known and respected by his colleagues both in the city fire department as well as surrounding municipalities. In his professional career, he was a member of the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Fighters Union Local #104, I.A.F.F. where he served as Vice President and as Recording Secretary and on the Regional level with the N.E.P.P.F.F.A. where he served as President and on the State level, P.P.F.F.A, in the offices of Eastern Vice President and as Recording Secretary for many years until his passing. He was also a member of the Pro Board on the state level of firefighters associations.He also attended the Central United Methodist Church in Wilkes-Barre and held membership in the Blue Lodge #61 of the Free and Accepted Masons.
He and his wife, the former Barbara Fritzges, celebrated 35 years of married life together. He is remembered by family and friends as being a loving husband and father who adored his grandchildren. He was always there in a time of need for anyone he knew and cared for. He was a wonderful brother and a devoted servant to the citizens of this city and their protection for over thirty years.
Norm was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Davis and by a brother, Glenn Davis.
Surviving, in addition to his wife Barbara at home, are sons Jason Davis and his wife Sandra of Kingston and Edmund Smith and his wife Tracy of Wilkes-Barre; Grandchildren, Alyssa Kilbourn, Austin (A.J.) Smith, Jaxson Davis and Sydney Smith; Brothers and sisters including Greg, Stephen, Scott, Todd, Darcy, Susan, Chreryl, Rawlyn and Lynette. Numerous nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends.
Funeral services for Chief Davis will be conducted on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. from the John V. Morris - Charles J. Leagus Funeral Home, 281 East Northampton Street, 281 East Northampton Street, Wilkes-Barre Heights with the Reverend Dr. Paul C. Amara, pastor of the Central United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment with committal services will follow in the chapel of Maple Hill Cemetery, Saint Mary's Street, Hanover Township.
Relatives and friends may join his family Friday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. for visitation and remembrances at the funeral home and on Saturday morning from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services.
To send his wife and family online words of comfort and friendship, please visit our website at www.JohnVMorrisFuneralHomes.com.
It was 100 years ago today that factory workers at the Triangle Waist Company in Lower Manhattan ushered in a new era of labor rights for employees across the United States.
The workers made up of mostly young Jewish and Italian women did not know they would be a part of history. On March 25, 1911 the workers were preparing to go home after working long hours at the factory when the unspeakable happened that day.
Fire engulfed the building trapping workers inside killing 146 people. Dozens jumped to their death in order to escape the burning building.
In the aftermath, a series of legislation was developed that changed labor laws within New York and across the US. The National Labor Relations Act was approved giving rights to workers and strengthening their right to organize.
On this day let’s remember those who lost their lives in that terrible fire.
Labor unions and its hard-working members have done and are doing their part to make this country great.
A century after the Triangle Waist Company fire we still find ourselves in the midst of a political struggle to protect employees and their basic rights in the work place.
The IAFF will never stop fighting for you.
So please stay strong and support your fellow brothers and sisters across the labor movement as we continue to confront the political challenges ahead.
