Beecher Fire Chief Joe Falaschetti reported a positive meeting with Beecher Mayor Marcy Meyers and revealed to the fire board a plan for improving building code enforcement he hopes will come to fruition.
The meeting occurred after Falaschetti attended the village’s September 9 board of trustees meeting, pleading with them to accept the fire district’s help with regard to fire inspections and building safety. At that meeting, he advised the board of the conditions he discovered that were unacceptable.
“I know the village board has expectations of what you’re going to be allowed to be built, and I know this is not meeting your expectations,” Falaschetti explained.
Falaschetti had been made aware of several significant safety hazards at new construction sites, some of which could result in severe injury or death. Truss integrity was lacking, and some buildings were not being built to the current standards of the Beecher code, including using Romex instead of conduit for electrical wires. He brought a sample of the construction materials used so the village board could physically see the materials were not up to par.
Falaschetti advised the fire district board at its September 25 meeting that, despite missed code violations, the village’s current code inspector has several decades of invaluable hands-on experience and knowledge inspecting buildings.
His suggestion to Beecher’s mayor for improving code enforcement is to collaborate with the village and allow one of their inspectors to shadow the village’s inspector.
By including the fire district and allowing one of their newly certified inspectors to shadow the village’s inspector, they could work together to identify newer hazards and updated compliance concerns, which could otherwise put residents and firefighters in danger.
“It seems like a good fit,” fire board member Lyle Siefker said, with board member Dave Kolosh adding he felt it was “a very good idea.”
Ultimately, Falaschetti said, the goal is to maintain building standards to keep everyone out of danger, from protecting firefighters to the residents who purchase and reside in the new homes.
“It’s your job as the fire chief to make sure our personnel are safe,” Fire Board of Trustees President Margie Cook added in agreement.
With the expected growth of Beecher with multiple new home developments planned, it is critical the codes be clear, current with today’s safety standards, and enforced, Falaschetti explained.
What happens next, whether the village will allow the fire district’s employee to shadow the village inspector, whether they would need to be a village employee, or when the current inspector may retire, is yet to be determined, though Falaschetti felt it was a good, productive conversation.
District Calls for Service and Training
As of the September board meeting, the month had 51 medical calls, which included eight lift assists or fall calls and seven psychological needs calls. The district conducted four smoke alarm checks within the district.
Assistant Chief Tim McGannon followed up with multiple residents after calls for service, offering information on Will County Senior Services, veteran’s health services, and Will County Dial-a-Ride.
“I just wanted to say he’s done a really good job on following up,” Board President Margie Cook said.
“They have no idea where to turn and where to go, and they don’t know what’s available within our community through Washington Township or Catholic Charities, so he did a good job with that,” Cook added, commending McGannon for his work.
Deputy Chief Michael Heusing’s report noted September’s training hours, as of September 24, totalled 1,174 hours. Training included two live burn events, as well as establishing a rural water supply, among other activities.
Chief Joe Falaschetti was named the 2025 Frank Byrne Scholarship recipient, providing him the opportunity to engage in additional training and professional development. The scholarship covers complete conference registration and a $1,500 stipend to cover travel and lodging for the Volunteer and Combination Officers Symposium in Florida this upcoming November.
The board also discussed the positive changes of the Laraway Communications Center and how they have significantly improved over the years.
School District Collaboration
Beecher Fire Protection District is continuing its public education work with the Learn Not to Burn program at Beecher Elementary School in October.
Falaschetti reported the school district inquired about collaborating with the fire district to bring in someone capable of providing emergency services personnel (CPR certified, able to utilize a defibrillator, etc.) during sanctioned sporting events. The school district had looked into a private company, but the cost was prohibitive.
Falaschetti provided the pay rates for different levels of service to the school district, but noted the fire district is simply looking to cover costs to help. The school board will need to determine whether this moves forward.
Pension Board Changes
The board appointed Chief Joe Falaschetti to be president of the Pension Board. The change in leadership and board membership allows the newly hired full-time lieutenants to have a seat.
Fire District Financials
District accountant James Howard provided a thorough review of the district’s financials through August 31. Howard remarked the district is “doing good in terms of the budget” and noted it is “in a better position this year than last year.”
The district may need to adjust its budget due to the way GEMT payments are being processed and paid out to the district.
The fire district submitted two FEMA grants to hire three additional firefighter/paramedics and to replace two cardiac monitors and add a third.
There was also some discussion regarding impact fees — Falschetti noting the fire district is one of the only area fire districts not to receive an impact fee from new development. The fire district compiled comparable data to submit to the village for consideration.
In other news, the board awarded All-Right Sign, Inc., the bid for the replacement LED sign in front of the fire station in the amount of $27,293.12. The board received one other significantly higher bid.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.