Cicero Fire Chief Dominick Buscemi on Tuesday announced that the Fire Department will “transition to a fully integrated, all hazards agency” to expand emergency response services to the Town’s residents. Buscemi, surrounded by representatives of the various local and state firefighters unions, said that the Town will require that all personnel in the collective bargaining agreement will be cross-trained both as firefighters and as paramedics. The Town of Cicero will also, under the direction of Town President Larry Dominick hire an additional 18 firefighters to increase the department’s life-saving and fire-fighting response to 94. “This plan brings both sides of the Department together in a way that will finally make it one force, which will translate to bringing better pre-hospital care for residents and all who travel through it and who work here” Buscemi said during a press conference at Cicero Town Hall.

“Our new All-Hazards Department requires now that all entry-level candidates for operational positions will be required to achieve the following minimum certification requirements of Firefighter II, Licensed Paramedic, CPR certification, Hazardous Materials Operations, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Fire Services District Operations, Technical Rescue Awareness and NIMS Level 100-700.” Buscemi explained that the various services are currently provided by individual teams and units. Town President Larry Dominick praised the ratification by the Board of Trustees saying, “We have the best Fire Department of any community. You are all an outstanding group of men and women and first responders who provide the best emergency response and care to our residents.” Assessor Emilio Cundari praised the Fire Department and the cross training firefighters and paramedics “will mean better emergency response services to all of our citizens, especially to our senior community,” as did Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias.