District celebrates a milestone in staffing
The Beecher Fire Protection District held a pinning and swearing-in ceremony July 29 to introduce its first full-time lieutenant/paramedics: Carmella Welsh, Bryce Budimir, and Marcis DuBois.
The event, held at Firehouse 44, drew a full crowd despite the sweltering heat. A large fan provided some relief, as family, friends, and colleagues gathered for the historic moment.
Fire Chief Joseph Falaschetti opened the ceremony by highlighting the dedication and sacrifices of the new lieutenants, reminding them of the weight of their new responsibilities. Family members then took part in the pinning ceremony, placing lieutenant badges on their loved ones.
Beecher Fire District Trustee Mike Waterman administered the oath of office. The lieutenants, each with a clear and resolute voice, pledged to serve with professionalism and integrity.
Inside the station’s coat room, a sign reads, “Amateurs train until they get it right, professionals train until they can’t get it wrong.” The gear stacked neatly nearby underscored the department’s readiness for the next call – and its new era.
A Shift Toward Stability
Welsh, Budimir, and DuBois previously served the district as part-time employees through a contract with Metro Paramedic Services. Their new full-time status includes benefits, health insurance, and pensions – a long-anticipated milestone for Beecher.
The new positions bring an added layer of supervision and care to the department. Each lieutenant will oversee emergency medical technicians and paramedics in the field and at the station. Duties include managing daily schedules, assigning units, and maintaining operational readiness.
Their expanded roles also include operating command vehicles equipped with advanced communication systems. The combined experience of these three leaders strengthens the district’s ability to respond swiftly and safely.
Since 2014, the district has staffed its ambulance with contracted personnel, first through Kurtz Ambulance Service and later through Metro Paramedic Services. Over time, the challenge of retaining contracted workers – often using the position as a stepping-stone to full-time civil service – led to turnover and increased training costs. Since that transition, 26 firefighter/ paramedics have rotated through just two positions.
Planning Pays Off
The decision to create full-time lieutenant/paramedic roles followed years of planning and financial groundwork. Working with the board of trustees and its accounting consultant, Governmental Accounting, Inc., the district developed a Standards of Cover and Community Risk Assessment in 2022 to evaluate staffing risks and long-term goals.
Representatives from local state lawmakers’ offices, including Glennita Williams for State Rep. Robin Kelly and Cleo Jones for State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, presented certificates to the new lieutenants in recognition of their service.
Currently, the district schedules up to three part-time paramedics or firefighter EMTs per day, who submit their availability in advance. These employees do not receive benefits and collectively cover about 90 shifts each month.
Minimum staffing is four qualified personnel per shift, with a goal of five to adequately staff two ALS ambulances and a fire engine. The addition of the new lieutenants helps address the long-standing challenge of inconsistent part-time coverage.
About the New Lieutenants
Carmella Welsh: Welsh began her fire service career in 2009 and joined Beecher in 2019. She also served through the Metro Paramedic Services contract and now acts as EMS coordinator and public education coordinator. In 2023, she received the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Life Safety Award for her community outreach. She was named Rookie of the Year in 2019 and Firefighter of the Year in 2021. Welsh lives in Beecher with her wife, Patty, and their daughter, Taryn.
Bryce Budimir: Budimir began his career in 2010 and holds certifications in multiple technical rescue operations. He is the district’s respiratory protection and SCBA coordinator and serves on the MABAS 27/24 Combined Agency Response Team. In 2022, he received the John Dean Excellence in EMS Award. He lives in Manteno with his wife, Brittanny, and their three sons: Kayden, Carter, and Kyle.
Marcis DuBois: DuBois began in 2005 and joined Beecher in 2023. He currently serves as assistant training officer, leading the district’s in-house orientation program. He earned the John Dean Excellence in EMS Award in 2023 and lives in Joliet with his wife, Lauren, and their son, Jay.
Looking Forward
Candidates for the lieutenant positions were required to pass the National Testing Network Exam with a score of 70 or higher, complete a physical agility test, or provide a valid CPAT and ladder climb certificate, pass an oral interview with the board of commissioners, and undergo a background check and medical exam.
With these hires, the district will reduce its contracted staff from six to three under a revised agreement with Metro Paramedic Services. Daily staffing levels will remain unchanged.
Founded in 1887, the Beecher Fire Protection District has transitioned from volunteer to full-time staffing to better meet the community’s needs. Today, it is funded through local tax levies and continues to seek grants and improvements.
With the addition of the staff, Beecher moves a step forward in enhancing the overall well-being of the community with these life-saving measures, where continual advancement is not only needed, but critical.