A group of firefighters from Wisconsin expressed their disappointment after receiving booing from the crowd at a homecoming parade in Illinois. Despite their ongoing service to the neighboring city, the firefighters were met with a negative reception.
A group of firefighters from Wisconsin shared that they experienced an unpleasant incident during a homecoming parade in Illinois. Despite their ongoing service to the neighboring city, they were met with boos from the crowd.
On Friday, firefighters from the town of Beloit took on a new responsibility by staffing a station in the neighboring city of South Beloit, Illinois. This unique arrangement marks the first-ever shared services agreement that spans across state borders, according to city officials.
On their first day of duty, the firefighters of Beloit faced a disappointing reception as they were booed by the crowd during their participation in the South Beloit homecoming parade. Expressing their disappointment, the town of Beloit took to Facebook to criticize the public for their actions.
According to Sonya Hoppes, the City Administrator of South Beloit, she believes that the allegations have been exaggerated. After conversing with the firefighters, she states that they have received more praise than encountering issues.
“When significant changes occur, it is natural for people to direct their frustration towards someone, but I believe it is important to acknowledge that those wearing the uniform and operating our machines are not to blame,” she expressed. “These individuals are the true heroes, serving as local heroes in both communities.”
South Beloit had been facing a challenge in hiring an adequate number of part-time employees, but they found a solution. The city in Illinois decided to enter into an agreement with a neighboring town in Wisconsin, where they would pay over $6 million until 2029.
In return, the employees from the Wisconsin town would be responsible for staffing a fire station, engine, and ambulance for South Beloit.