SOUTH BELOIT, Ill. — Community anger over a plan to address chronic staffing shortages of firefighters in South Beloit, Illinois boiled over Friday during the annual homecoming game.
An ambulance crew participating in the parade and at the homecoming game was booed and yelled at, according to a social media post from the Town of Beloit Fire Department.
“This behavior is unacceptable,” read another post from Beloit fighters local 538.
An agreement went into effect Friday morning for the Town of Beloit Fire Department to staff the South Beloit Fire Department as a way to solve longstanding staffing shortages.
However, many in the community opposed the plan, despite the lack of other clear alternatives.
“Whether you believe in this decision or not, the crews are doing the best that they can. It is very disheartening that the ambulance crew was booed and yelled at during the homecoming parade and at the football game,” the Town of Beloit Fire Department said.
“Rather then doing this, please reach out to your local counselors, board members or the fire chief for any concerns that you may have. Let the firefighters/medics do their jobs without feeling threatened.”
