Episode Details

What happens when local politicians prioritize budget spreadsheets over public safety?

In this episode, we visited with IAFF Local 1120 President Jeremy Gillam from the Bucyrus City Fire Department in Ohio. Gillam shares the harsh reality of leading an 18-member department stretched to its absolute limit, forcing first responders to fight not just fires but also city council budget cuts.

• The Staffing Crisis: Due to severe staffing shortages, Gillam was nearly unable to make the interview because he was called to active duty. Since taking over full EMS responsibilities for the city and four surrounding townships in 2021, the number of on-duty first responders in the area has dropped from 11 to just 5 or 6 per shift.
• Math vs. Myth on Overtime: While the city council complains about a swelling $600,000 overtime budget, Gillam explains that hiring six additional firefighters would erase the overtime burden, improve safety, and cost the city virtually nothing extra. The union even offered a 0% wage increase to restore their sixth overnight firefighter.
• Vote of No Confidence: Local 1120 members recently stood shoulder-to-shoulder at a city council meeting to deliver a unanimous vote of no confidence against their Fire Chief. Gillam reveals how the chief actively negotiated against his own members at the bargaining table and failed to maintain up-to-date standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Disaster Preparedness Realities: Reflecting on the East Palestine train derailment, Gillam warns that smaller towns like Bucyrus—which see constant hazardous train traffic—are fundamentally unequipped to handle a national-scale chemical disaster with current staffing levels.

Get Involved: Connect with the department and support local first responders by visiting IAFF Local 1120 on Facebook or Instagram. Taxpayers are always welcome to open the door, take a tour, and see what it takes to protect the community day in and day out.