Body Transport
An influential alderman is arguing that Chicago pays far too much to transport bodies to the morgue, but the attorney for the company that does the work says it must charge that much to make a profit under strict city regulations.
Ald. Ed Burke (14th), chairman of the Finance Committee, plans to conduct hearings on the city contract with GSSP Enterprise Inc., which the city has paid $7.2 million since the start of its current five-year contract in September 2006.
The city currently pays $915 a trip. Under the company’s previous Chicago contract, it was paid $200 a body, or $300 for two bodies, a city Web site shows. In Dayton, Ohio, where the company is based, it only receives $75 a body, Burke said.
Here's a cost saving idea - wait for it - squadrols!
If the wagon moves one body, the crew gets out of grade for the entire day, which at currently hourly rates is about $6. That's $12 out of grade for the wagon. And get this - if they move two bodies, or three bodies, or a dozen bodies, it's still $12 for the entire day! That's a savings of almost $903 on the current contract! What a deal!!!
And to make it more desirable, we can go back to the old days where enterprising wagon men would sell the bodies to certain connected funeral homes. That was worth $50 or so. And found? Whoa nellie, there would be a stampede for the wagon spots again.
UPDATE: Evidently it's $6 per hour for the out-of-grade, so it's be $96 per hour, still a savings of $821 over the current contract.
We realize this ended up a contract issue - thanks, we were there. But if the Department properly trained and equipped the wagons (we're talking full haz-mat regalia, stretchers, lifts, handtrucks, etc.), there would be no shortage of officers volunteering to do this type of work out of grade.
Labels: corruption
posted by SCC at 12:03 AM
109 Comments:
I've had it! Enough is enough. I'm moving to Dayton.
Not a wagon anymore; It's a . . .van?
How about 500 bucks for the wagon guys per body a savings of 400 bucks. Why are you arguing for making the wagon move the stiffs for 6 buck an hour more???????
Actually it is a savings of 819 dollars a trip per your math. I think you forgot to figure it is $12 and hour and not $12 for the entire day. It would cost the wagon $96 to transport the body in an 8 hour day. 10 hour day is $120.
SCC: Here's a tool you might find useful: http://www.citypayments.org/
For instance, here's the contract for body transport: http://www.citypayments.org/contract/12453/
Follow the links and you can see the actual PDF contracts: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/VCSearchWeb/org/cityofchicago/vcsearch/controller/vendors/contractsLink.do?vendorName=GSSP+ENTERPRISE%2C+INC.&cityVendorId=23405962P#searchResults
(Must be logged in-- go here: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/VCSearchWeb/org/cityofchicago/vcsearch/controller/agencySelection/begin.do and click "Continue", then try the link.)
Let's reinvent the wheel. Again. And once we have the wagon personnel transporting dead bodies at the peril of their own health again, we can work on reorganizing the deployment of the evidence techs again. And then, again, we can centralize auto theft, and decentralize it, and REcentralize it. Again.
Doesn't anyone have a fresh idea? A good idea? Just one novel thought?
I have an idea, alderman. Offer the contract at a flat rate per body and see if there isn't another UNCONNECTED company out there that'll transport bodies.
But, alderman, that inflated fee that might have gone to lining someone's unsavory pockets... well, that's where the financial fat will be cut. Are you ready for that?
Where can I get stock in white socks and flood pants? Quickly!
GSSP rocks!
That hour wait makes for ample viewing of my portable DVD player.
Or reading, I also like reading. And walks on the beach.
From their web site --
"GSSP Enterprise is unequivicly the nations leadering livery company. With innovation and proven process (sic) and proceedures, GSSP Enterprise has the distiction of being the first and only livery company to provide services for (sic)cook county (Chicago), Illinois.
"Our experience and proven livery practices has afford GSSP Enterprise the opportunity to provide services in over 5 cities ranging in population of a few thousand to a few million people."
Nothing like ebonic iliteracy to inspire confidence.
Knowing Burke this company must have forgot to by the golf outing tickets this summer. Since they arent from Chicago they thought it was just a one time bribe. Now Eddie is calling them out. So they will catch up on the "donations" and they will be back in business.
Ahh the Chicago way.
well this uninfluential PO thinks the city pays twenty five TOO many alderthings TOO much money. if said alderbum wants to tighten the budget, im sure we can conjure up lots of fat to be trimmed, like him.
thats not a police matter. its hazardous. and we are not trained or equipt to move bodies. Fuck that, ive done a ton when i was younger but im never doing it again.
your math is a little off
Its about $6 an hour a piece extra with a possible 8 hour duration
So its about $48 apiece for two officers
Still cheaper than the other guys, but not $12
Fuck that i had my share of hauling dead bloated bodies out of a pack rat's apartment/home/attic/basement/tub/ stuck to a carpet/matress/lazy boy couch. $12? Not enough money. remeber we bitched and moaned that there were never any body bags, protective suits and gloves good enough to do the job.
Watch ole FAST EDDIE come up with the solution.....a new company run by....wait for it....his family member or close friend!!!! and they will only charge $500 a body...and this will be done on a closed door bid process ;] BUT 3 years from now we will find out we were paying $2000 a body....then king DICKIE will be on t.v. saying AGAIN that they cant get the money back.....GOD FORBID YOU OWE THE CITY $1.00 THEY WILL SUSPEND YOU,FORCLOSE ON YOUR HOUSE,FINE YOU!!! BUT they cant get that million back from the housing fiasco....ARE YOU TAKING NOTES FITZ??????
These goofs from GSSP are a bunch of lowlifes anyway. Dump 'em. I had a suicide once( an elderly gentleman whose wife had just died and wanted to be with her so he got in his PJ's and took a bottle of pills and a glass of scotch in his easy chair) and these scumbags walk in the place talking about their trip to the "titty bar" while this poor family is grieving. That's the kind of service the city is paying almost a grand for?!?!?!
IF THE COOK COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER WANTS THE BODY LET THEM PICK IT UP.
I have a honda minivan and I'll only charge 600 bucks a body. Just imagine, one body a day at 600 a pop! With that kind of money I could make political donations and finally get the promotion I deserve. Yahoo.
Madison/Whipple. 014 Gang team tried to pull over a car that was wanted for a attempted robbery. Two offenders fled from vehicle and shot at an officer who returned fire. Bad guy to hospital and good guy is safe. Thank God. I believe it was the 1468 team or what ever they are called now. Great bunch of guys.
Hey SCC the northside funeral home that was the top bidder was paying $150 to $200a body. Ya the good ole days, driving a body from the southside to the northside to make that extra $100. Causing grief for the family to figure how the cops passed up about 30 other funeral home on their way up to 4100 N. Sheridan. Then that funeral home hold the body in the hope that some family from Mt Greenwood may want a wake and funeral up north.
Most families didn't use the northside funeral home but wanted sometimes up towards $300 to release the body to the family selected funeral home.
I witnessed it first hand and it was disgusting how someone family loved one was used as some form a bargaining chip. As I remember, Feds got involved and many cops resigned.
Most funeral homes charge $250 for the same service so why not hire local funeral homes. GSSP has always been suspect from the get go. They came out of nowhere and bid and won the contract. Rumor was they were relatives of Burke or Stroger.
The way Burke is talking there must have been a divorce in the family. If you look at the reason for awarding the contract to GSSP, the City said that GSSP was going to be able to provide some $2M mobile mass casualty truck that no other bidder could produce. In the end, GSSP never purchased the truck and bleed the tax payers for about $6.7M
Hey northside, lets start a body hauling business! We wouldnt need all that hazmat stuff just maybe a pair of gloves! Didnt kill us in the past, we should be good to go. $$$$$
This is a perfect opportunity to create a new unit. Or even better...make it a CAPS function. They could staff it with more useless clout babies which we all know we have an unlimited supply of. Think outside the box.
This is a County problem. Why are we the residents of the City paying for this?
Anonymous said...
Let's reinvent the wheel. Again. And once we have the wagon personnel transporting dead bodies at the peril of their own health again, we can work on reorganizing the deployment of the evidence techs again. And then, again, we can centralize auto theft, and decentralize it, and REcentralize it. Again.
Doesn't anyone have a fresh idea? A good idea? Just one novel thought?
I have an idea, alderman. Offer the contract at a flat rate per body and see if there isn't another UNCONNECTED company out there that'll transport bodies.
But, alderman, that inflated fee that might have gone to lining someone's unsavory pockets... well, that's where the financial fat will be cut. Are you ready for that?
7/02/2009 01:01:00 AM
How about white piping on the side of our pants? That and call boxes, radio calls on WGN and a return to revolvers.
But mostly, we should again be able to make a few extra bucks making traffic stops. Aaah, the good old days.
How about $200 bucks CASH per wagon guy per body.That'll save the city over $500 bucks a body and will keep us from going through the dead guys pockets and lumpy mattress.
AHHHHH THE GOOD OLE DAYS.
I don't understand were was this genius Burke at when they were signing the multi million dollar deal.
scc wrote about that deal, and how much more we were paying then any other city, and this dumb ass Burke is just figuring it out now ?
Why does Chicago pay for this rather than Cook Conty since it is the Cook County Medical Examiner's responsibility?
I've previously researched this for a report and could find no state law and no county or city ordinance placing this responsibility on the city. Do you think Niles, or Harvey or any other suburb pays for body removal?
5:46 AM
Great job, 014 gang team.
Go back to Madison and "Whip-It". My favorite liquor store (SE corner) is holding a free case of cold forty ouncers just for you guys.
Rothschilds, 3015 W. Madison St.
They also cater neighborhood sets with Flamin' Hot Cheetos. Tell them I sent you and get a free carton of Kools or Newports.
An extra six bucks an hour to pull stinky corpses out of sewers. Or pick up a week old down stiff? And then wreck my uniform for this? No thanks, and don't forget the exposure to toxic body chemicals or diseases? Better make it watch commanders pay....
... Nothing like ebonic iliteracy to inspire confidence.
------------------------------------
LOL! Good post, only illiteracy is spelled with two 'L's.
Hello Old Retired Guy Here. When I was brand new on the job 1970 they would put me on the wagon as a relief. I was 510" about 170lbs. 22 yrs old. I was about as strong as a man that age and physical should be.
I lifted two 300 plus pound persons in a week. I felt the vertibrats in my lower back. I did not know what was going on. I thought I was too weak. I was too proud to complain or ask for help. As I am sitting here typing, I can feel pain in my lower back, I really believe started with those lifts. Don't be too proud to ask for help.
Doesn't anyone have a fresh idea? A good idea? Just one novel thought?
**************88
Since they think anyone over 30 doesn't know anything, and are only trying to stop them from "doing what they want" They DON'T KNOW that everything they are thinking of has ALREADY BEEN TRIED AND FAILED... one of them actually said "We don't care what the old timers, and old people think, they only want to keep us from trying out 'new' things."
So... . they won't listen anyway WHY should any one with any time on the job try to let them know ???
It is a comedy of errors, retirees should be REALLY happy they don't have to be in the front row to watch it.
Where can I get stock in white socks and flood pants? Quickly!
7/02/2009 01:07:00 AM
I think i pissed my self as i read this one...
WTF...... $900.00 and they arent even licensed Funeral Directors..... I only get $400.00 and im a licensed funeral director!!!!
From their web site --
"GSSP Enterprise is unequivicly the nations leadering livery company. With innovation and proven process (sic) and proceedures, GSSP Enterprise has the distiction of being the first and only livery company to provide services for (sic)cook county (Chicago), Illinois.
"Our experience and proven livery practices has afford GSSP Enterprise the opportunity to provide services in over 5 cities ranging in population of a few thousand to a few million people."
Nothing like ebonic iliteracy to inspire confidence.
7/02/2009 01:18:00 AM
OMG. Are you serious? That's embarassing. Really.
---not a cop
OT - The fop website death notice link is still showing 24 jun 09. I pray there are no deceased members; but could they update the link to show 'nothing to report".
It took 50 years for the city to allow someone else that pain in the ass job and now you want it back for 6 dollars more an hour, Dailey must be rolling.
Once a person is deceased the body becomes the purview of the medical examiner. Let them remove the bodies - like they should have been doing all along. I guarantee it would be cheaper than GSSP. Cops should be policing, not acting as funeral directors.
And to make it more desirable, we can go back to the old days where enterprising wagon men would sell the bodies to certain connected funeral homes. That was worth $50 or so. And found? Whoa nellie, there would be a stampede for the wagon spots again.
NICE GOING SCC LETS AIR OLD PROBLEMS AND SCANDALS FOR THE ENTIRE INTERNET POPULATION TO READ. GREAT JOB THINK BEFORE YOU PUT "PEN TO PAPER" YOU WERE NEVER THERE IN" THE OLD DAYS" I THINK YOU NEVER REMOVED A BODY FROM A THIRD FLOOR THATS BEEN ROTTING FOR FEW WEEKS IN 90 PLUS HEAT.
Bring out your dead!
Bring out your dead!
$50 !? I was only getting $20. Just kidding.
How many remember when you'd get a PPO and always make sure they were the first ones going down the stairs and lift it up high enough for some fun sliding action ?
Are you kidding...I have done my share of bodies and Im done with that...We would never get the proper equipment and we should not be doing it anyway...Stupid suggestion
HOW Bout letting cook county ME office worry about it like everywhere else in the nation
How ironic that this involves Eddie Burke...Google just the word "burke"..it is an actual definition and see how it relates to what these pieces of crap are doing to the rest of us.
I can see it now! The Vanecko body removal service. Why not? Daley's lil nephew, Vanecko ,is already wringing every dime he can out of the citizens of Chicago. Why should the money flow stop just because they are dead? Afterall, Daley lets dead people continue to vote; why should they be allowed to quit paying the Daley Crime Family just because they are dead?
I like the idea of the M.E. office picking up the bodies that they want. The only reason they don't do it is because they cry poor and don't want to hire people to do it. In the outlying Cook county suburbs, the county does pick up bodies they want examined. But here is another idea...have the family call the mortician and let the mortuary take the body to the M.E. if they want it. If there is no family to authorize a removal, then we call the body snatchers and let them do it. Letting the mortuary service remove the body doesn't cost us a thing. Problem solved. Wagon guys don't move bodies (with the advent of the prisoner van squadrol it would be a difficult move anyway), and we, the tax payers, don't waste millions moving dead bodies.
Lets just make more bureaus...
ahh memories....rookies first "stinker" august 1977....when the dicks called for wagons for double homocide removal @59th halsted...my partner starts flying to the scene like we were heading to a 10-1...so i ask why the lights and siren...he says there's 2 bodies kid....1st wagon on the scene gets their pick....well the other wagon beat us....my partner starts swearing MFer's...and boy was he right....they had the 5'9" 160lb husband by the front door....we had momma same height but twice the weight a 300+ heffer stuck between the bed and wall (still remember the sound as we pryed her off the carpet crrgrnnnchhhhsplat) on the second floor...been smokin cigars ever since
Officers it was a pleasure digging and raking up grass w/you guys now thats togetherness. Thats the best manicured lot on the west side now.
Another shameful example of City contracting at its worst! But no way should coppers be used to moved decedents around anymore, SCC. We don't have enough wagons to spare now (remember the days when EACH SECTOR had a squadrol?).
It shouldn't be too hard for the City to re-negotiate that contract, if it wants to.
Not that I'm volunteering anybody for anything, but the "hazardous materials" claim about dead bodies is bunk. Yeah, they're nasty, but only a handful of tropical-waterborne-type diseases are transmittable by dead bodies and none at all after 3 days. All you need are splash suits and gauntlet gloves to keep the yuck off your uniform. And that's only for a real stinkeroo.
Someone ask the Fire Department what they did with all the old two-man stretchers they pulled from service a couple years ago when they got the new Strykers. I'm sure they could whistle up one per squadrol if the need arises.
O.T.
Hey CPD want one reason as to why morale is down? You put out orders for specila events...PO'S wait for these orders to see if they have to work them. PO'S make plans based on what the order says...and the fuckin department makes last minute changes fuckin with peoples lives. Guess what you get when you do this to people? Coppers who do't give a shit and will stand around doing absofuckinglutely nothing!!! These large events are not last minute things....figure this shit out!!
Just about everywhere else in the country the moving of deceased is a function of the County Coroner or Medical Examiner.
Not every cop is cut out to be a wagonman (sorry, wagonperson just doesn’t sound right) and not every wagonman wants to move bodies all the time. It is one thing to move the freshly wrapped “package” from the hospital to the morgue, that any district wagon can do. It is quite another thing to scrape a week old 300 pound stinker off the floor, or to pick up the pieces of a shotgun suicide.
So if the CPD were to do this, it should be done right.
Moving the deceased should become an operation of Forensic Services who would purchase and maintain number of vans capable of handling what is expected under all normal circumstances. They would also purchase proper protective gear, breathing apparatus, lifting gear and so on. The Department would also develop a training program and Mass Casualty Plans for dealing events such as plane crashes, catastrophic heat waves and terrorist attacks.
The Department should develop a pool of trained officers for this service who would volunteer to do this task.
The officers would volunteer for rotating details of three months to Forensics Services
and partner teams would be encouraged. During the detail the officers would be paid sergeant’s pay according to the contract. Three months on this detail, and three or six months regular assignment would help to avoid burnout. I know this is a sore spot for some, but since this involves moving heavy bodies, there should be a physical and a power test. The training program would include how to use and maintain the equipment, biohazard safety in handling deceased, lifting techniques, family sensitivity, evidence and chain of custody issues.
Since no politician will get any campaign contributions from this idea it will never happen. Better we pay a “livery service” $915 a trip, than our police sergeant’s pay.
P.S. Has this “livery service” ever been call to testify in any homicide case, if so, do they get paid? Who pays them?
first off.. i wish the removal would be the wagon mans job again. it was rediculous when they farmed it out to a private company in the first place. they never should have changed it. I think for once its actually a good idea to bring it back to the wagon men.
Special training and haz mat suits to move a stinker? What happened to rolling it onto a sheet and sliding it to wherever it could be lifted conveniently onto a stretcher? The only equipment needed is a few pairs of gloves from a hospital emergency room and a cigar to mask the smell.
It was nasty, but your typical wagon man only got one once or twice a year, and I never heard of anyone getting sick from it. In fact, we prided ourselves on being able to handle it. No wonder the City is going broke.
I don't think the CPD Wagon guys or anyone on the Department should be moving the bodies. Let the County handle that crap...it's their responsibility to do the Autopsy's and burials...they should handle everything. Suburban Departments don't haul their dead. Let's not undo what we have done...those wagon guys don't deserve the stinkers...period.
Madison/Whipple. 014 Gang team tried to pull over a car that was wanted for a attempted robbery. Two offenders fled from vehicle and shot at an officer who returned fire. Bad guy to hospital and good guy is safe. Thank God. I believe it was the 1468 team or what ever they are called now. Great bunch of guys.
7/02/2009 05:46:00 AM
ain't no district gang teams anymore guy.
OT for a second
Does anyone care to weigh in on what uniform/supply store is best?
I was at AJ's on 111th today to get some new cargo pants. It's literally a two minute drive from my house, so going there is somewhat hassle free. That is until today. The last few times I've stopped in, they never seem to have what I need. Either the brand I like is out, or the size isn't in. And I'm average in stature, so my uniforms don't need to be custom ordered. On top of the customer service ain't what it used to be. That ditzy red head and fruit cake kid don't know shit about law enforcement needs when it comes to our uniforms and gear
I'm thinking they just lost a customer. I've had good experiences at Kales in 012, but it's not easy getting north at times. So does anyone care to chime in on who's the best in regards to good customer service, having things in stock and quality work?
Guys please, if you are assigned to HIDTA walk today. Collectively walk in and ask to be reassigned immediately. Good God, let's show some solidarity. P.S. I can afford $10 a month for Cozzi and the officer from HIDTA. We did it for Mette. Maybe he can lead us in this effort.
The world is going to Hell in a handbasket.
Chief Tim Escola, 57, and Officer Janine England, 30, Perry Township, Ohio P.D. were returning a prisoner from Cincinnati via Interstate 71 to Perry Township.
Janine was merely showing the chief her gratitude with kisses and cuddling for a job well done. It was captured on video by the dashboard camera. Chief Escola resigned after the video surfaced.
All of us know that such a display of appreciation to a superior officer is a routine, time-honored and sacrosanct CPD tradition.
What is wrong with these holier-than-thou Buckeyes?
6:33 AM "Snethen's Law":
Sounds like a plan, Dave. I get first search for ID. 10-4?
Arghhhh!!!!! To think, just a few hundred dollars more and I could have been a fireman!
Bring out your dead!
Bring out your dead!
7/02/2009 10:24:00 AM
I'M NOT DEAD YET!!!
This is an easy one. Designate one wagon per district or van or whatever you call them now or even a North Side or a South Side van. Give a class for volunteers, how to move a body etc. give them Lt. or Capt. pay probably do it for Sgt. pay. Hell even ask for retired guys. I guarantee the problem is solved.
To 7/02/2009 01:16:00 AM
Do you like Pina Coladas?
What P.O. would want to handle Dead Bodies again.This is a Hazard to your Health.Wagon men or not you have to be Sick to Want to Handle these Dead Bodies Again for any amout of Money.
Hey CPD want one reason as to why morale is down? You put out orders for specila events...PO'S wait for these orders to see if they have to work them. PO'S make plans based on what the order says...and the fuckin department makes last minute changes fuckin with peoples lives. Guess what you get when you do this to people? Coppers who do't give a shit and will stand around doing absofuckinglutely nothing!!! These large events are not last minute things....figure this shit out!!
7/02/2009 01:24:00 PM
Normally I'd tell you to quit bitching, but you are absolutely right! Really no reason this can't be worked out weeks in advance, at the VERY least! Even if a few hit the medical, it's not like you have to activate an entire other unit at the last minute!
The people who manage this Department couldn't manage a ghetto liquor store!!!!
Mette did nothing wrong-Cozzi made a huge mistake-it's not the same thing.
Anonymous said...
This is a County problem. Why are we the residents of the City paying for this?
7/02/2009 07:02:00 AM
We pay for this and in exchange, Urkel let's the Stuttering Prick run the County Board with his brother Johnny as the point man... besides, whether the City pays or the County pays, one of the two or both are picking your pocket! ! !
"WTF...... $900.00 and they arent even licensed Funeral Directors..... I only get $400.00 and im a licensed funeral director!!!!
7/02/2009 09:01:00 AM"
Yeah, but yu ain't got no CHINA MAN.
"I think i pissed my self as i read this one...
7/02/2009 08:46:00 AM"
Ya tink?
I'm sorry you had a bad experience at AJ's. They've never been anything but excellent with me. I started going to them at their old location and was happy when they came to Mt Greenwood. Quick, friendly and they have SALES! Tell the owner and he'll make it right.
OT...was driving near HQ's today and some dude in a 350Z pulls up next to me. This car has full graphics of the city skyline across both sides of the car, with "Chicago Police" written across it. What the hell is this clown doing? Is this department-sanctioned, or just some goof who is all too happy to announce his occupation to everyone around him?
Create a body unit, properly equip and give them Sgt pay. We'd be beating down the door to get in the unit.
Not that I'm volunteering anybody for anything, but the "hazardous materials" claim about dead bodies is bunk. Yeah, they're nasty, but only a handful of tropical-waterborne-type diseases are transmittable by dead bodies and none at all after 3 days. All you need are splash suits and gauntlet gloves to keep the yuck off your uniform. And that's only for a real stinkeroo.
Willing to bet your life on that and the possibility of dragging that crap into your home and children?
HEY DEP.PETERSON WHY DO U HAVE UR AREA 4 DICKS ON THEIR KNEES ON WHIPPLE AND MADISON PICKING AT GRASS?
WHY DONT U FIND SOME FRICKING CASH AND BUYS SOME METAL DETECTORS. LET UR LIGHT GUYS HANDLE THE HEAVY LIFTING. U CAN CERTIFY THEM IN METAL DETECTORS 2.
INSTEAD OF HAVING ALL THOSE HI-DEF TV AT HEADQUARTER START BUYING SOME EQUIPMENT!
AND ANOTHER THING HOW ABOUT ORDERING SOME PAPER 4 THE AREAS, U CAN CUT DOWN ON THE CAPS FLIERS THEY END UP IN THE TRASH ANYWAYS!
U REALLY DONT THINK UR "CAPS" OFFICERS PASS THOSE THINGS OUT GET ON IT BLINKY BEA!
W/ LOVE
AREA 4 ALMOST WHITE SHIRT
GET RID OF CENTRAL CONTROL GROUP !! fold it back into the areas.. what a horseshit waste of people ...
NorthSide said...
5:46 AM
You crack me the fuck up on a regular basis. Thanks for being there.
Go back to the old ways, let the wagon guys get their bonus from the funeral home. It was so easy, everyone was happy and there was no harm.
old retired guy
MIKE SHIELDS JULY FOP LETTER
The past few weeks have seen a tremendous amount of controversy surrounding our pension fund. As a federal investigation proceeds, newspapers announce the sordid details of a suspicious investment entered into by the fund. By now, you are all painfully familiar with DV Urban Realty, who the "D" and the "V" are, and to whom they are related. How they managed to get their hands on our pension money is now the subject of an on-going federal investigation. In the midst of this controversy, I would like to take this opportunity to say that I am proud of the response of policemen and women as these details have come to light. Several municipal pensions invested with DV Urban Realty, but you were the first city workers to voice their objection to this questionable investment. Chicago Police were the first to publicly demonstrate their discontent, and it appears your voices have been heard. Officers and retirees packed the pension board meeting demanding that the fund comply with the city Inspector General's subpoena requesting documents relating to the investment. When the board persisted in their refusal, the U.S. Attorney's Office began investigating and their investigation continues.
These recent articles have had another effect. They capture a glimpse of just how much mayoral control is exercised over your pension fund, which by the language of its creation is "maintained for the benefit of its policemen, their widows and children."
The basic structure of the pension board allows for four of the eight trustees to be appointed by the mayor. That means that fully half of the votes on the pension board serve by direct appointment of the mayor. Mayor Daley’s reaction to his nephew’s money grab of our retirement fund would be laughable if it weren't such an insult to our intelligence. ‘Little Bobby should have listened to Uncle Rich’, just does not work as an excuse for policemen. That he had no idea this was going on is equally absurd. The fund is required by law to submit an annual report to the city council detailing the affairs of the fund, including income, disbursements, assets and liabilities. Again, the excuses are an insult to our intelligence and an affront to our common sense. Or, as Mayor Daley himself might say, "silly, just silly."
What isn't "silly" is that, in truth, our pension fund needed a public slap in the face. For far too long the board has operated with the appearance that the “fix is in.” Officers’ needs will no longer be of secondary concern. Business as usual must be a thing of the past. Prospective fund managers with nothing other than the right connections and mayoral clout will not be allowed to tap into our funds and enrich themselves to our detriment. As your elected trustee, it is my duty to vigilantly guard against deals that are not in the best interest of our pension fund. Especially those deals that appear to be solely for the benefit of Mayor Daley & friends.
Why can I not picture Snethen or Northside transporting or taking the C-Note?
J-Fed was on Fox 32. He gave himself a "B" for how he has performed. An "A" would have seemed arrogant. You have to show some humility when you're making that kind of money to fuck things up.
Oh, and nice job going easy, reporters. You bring up that homicides are slightly down but pass up that aggravated batteries with firearms are WAY up. I guess you didn't have the information you should have had before you put the Daley guy on your show and asked the "tough questions." Or did you?
I can just hear the conversation after J-Fed left.
"Did you hear me make himself give himself a grade? That was real brave of me."
"Yeah. I was like - wow, he just did that!"
"Yeah. I was going to ask about the shootings being up, but, you know. Daley would have caused some problems."
"Yeah. You were smart to leave that one alone. Wanna do some coke?"
Tri-Taylor Uniforms at Ogden and Roosevelt. Yea, coming from Mt. Greenwood would make this a bitch of a drive too, but it would be easier than dealing with Kales. Got all sorts of shit in there, people are great too. I also live in Mt. Greenwood and would rather go to Tri-Taylor. Not saying AJ's is bad, but availability has become an issue.
Anonymous said...
Bring out your dead!
Bring out your dead!
7/02/2009 10:24:00 AM
I'M NOT DEAD YET!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES YOU ARE....WHAM!!
TOO FUNNY
Hey CPD want one reason as to why morale is down? You put out orders for specila events...PO'S wait for these orders to see if they have to work them. PO'S make plans based on what the order says...and the fuckin department makes last minute changes fuckin with peoples lives. Guess what you get when you do this to people? Coppers who do't give a shit and will stand around doing absofuckinglutely nothing!!! These large events are not last minute things....figure this shit out!!
The problem is they got rid of everyone who knew what they doing, now you have people cutting orders who have no clue....
Are you kidding? all the new police would be crying if they had to start moving bodies, it would be above them....
Under Jody there are no dead bodies. Rget just hide the bodies like they hide the numbers. Therefore no need for removals.
you betcha I'm good at math
No city except Chicago pays for body removal. This is the responsibility of the county but Daley wants to hand out the contrtact. I wonder what type of campaign donations are involved here.
It's cheaper to make the wagon a D-2 spot!
That makes too much sense for this city, and get rid of this dumb contract!
Now that would be a smart move on the city as well as motivate coppers to work the wagon!
J&G Uniforms at Irving/Austin are pretty good too, nice people who don't have an attitude and the prices are in line.
NICE GOING SCC LETS AIR OLD PROBLEMS AND SCANDALS FOR THE ENTIRE INTERNET POPULATION TO READ. GREAT JOB THINK BEFORE YOU PUT "PEN TO PAPER" YOU WERE NEVER THERE IN" THE OLD DAYS"
------------------------------
Its not as if the shenanigans that went on are any great secret.
Some of the organized petty corruption is gone from the CPD but organized corruption through out city government remains. Nothing has really changed all that much except you can't pay the cop $20 to get out of a ticket these days, which was pretty onvenient when you think about it.
Are you kidding? all the new police would be crying if they had to start moving bodies, it would be above them....
7/03/2009 02:29:00 AM
You meant to say "beneath them." Right CPS victim and holder of GED?
Dem college boys don't know nuttin. Dis place gotta be more like high school. Not dat I finished high school or nuttin, but you know. Dats why I go to da free clinic. I don't like my doctors needer. Deys is college boys too. College ain't good fer nuttin. Yuze needs common sense an smarts like wud I got. All yuze needs ta do dis job is a wheel gun an a pencil. Dat an vote fer da Machine.
I've always said that if I ever win a hefty sum by way of the lottery or a sweepstakes, that the business of removing bodies and crime scene clean-up, will be the business that I start-up.
Hey northside, lets start a body hauling business! We wouldnt need all that hazmat stuff just maybe a pair of gloves! Didnt kill us in the past, we should be good to go. $$$$$
D.B.I.U., The Dead Body Integrity Unit.
Go back to the old ways, let the wagon guys get their bonus from the funeral home. It was so easy, everyone was happy and there was no harm.
old retired guy
7/02/2009 10:48:00 PM
--------
You're soft. I'm not about to lose my job, my pension and my integrity over funeral home money.
When I was a recruit, my partner tossed some cash in my hat after we transported a body. I asked what that was for and he told me it was a thank you from the funeral home. I told him to keep it for himself. Still, I lived in fear of being fired for that piddly little bit of money for months afterward.
Way back, before I came on (I'm Byrne-era), police made so little money, it was 'expected' they'd pick up a little cash here and there to make ends meet. It wasn't even a living wage, and I remember my dad 'buying' a police officer's Bic pen for five dollars on a traffic stop when I was eight years old.
TImes have changed. You go ahead and compromise everything we stand for for a few bucks. Not me.
thank ed burke for that mess
this is why the city has no money for the police its time to march on city hall get on board fop before it to late and the police dept starts taking 20 days off without pay iam retired i get all my money each month i hope you get the same
"LOL! Good post, only illiteracy is spelled with two 'L's."
--7/02/2009 08:02:00 AM
I know. That WOULD be the exact place my arthritis came in!
"Wagon guys don't move bodies (with the advent of the prisoner van squadrol it would be a difficult move anyway..."
--7/02/2009 11:04:00 AM
Used to be that, when you had a plane coming into O'Hare or Midway reporting problems, not quite sure if there was going to be a happy landing, they would stage the old squadrols, tell probably one from each district to stand by in case needed out there. Saw this in 016, fortunately the plane made it OK. Probably they cannot do that with the new wagons...
Could go back to the old days, guys burning coffee on the stove to cover the smell, etc. but there is better equipment, etc. today to make it safer and a little more dignified for everyone. Either the county ME or the City could "do it up right" with what they're paying these carpetbaggers...
...assuming that you just want to provide a simple, basic, decent service and not be paying for powder coke, gold fronts, and Bugatti Veyrons for someone's brother-in-law's idiot cousin...
I've always said that if I ever win a hefty sum by way of the lottery or a sweepstakes, that the business of removing bodies and crime scene clean-up, will be the business that I start-up.
Google "Aftermath Inc." They beat you to it.
There is a very simple solution... The City should stop paying altogether. Since the task of removing bodies to the Morgue is actually a County responsibility- and has been since the inception of our existence, perhaps the Morgue should shoulder the responsibility and come out and pick up their own bodies, just like every other County in this Nation does. The City is only doing it out of an old political handshake from decades ago, just like the felony review policy; done only in Cook County and a gesture among politicians... Paid for by City residents and at the cost and burden of the Chicago Police Department.
The best I found for uniforms is ATLAS, above FOP hall.
They do not charge extra for larger sizes.
I never liked Kale's. Years ago, early one winter, when the 3/4 length coats first became popular they were selling them at $89 or 99.
The place was packed with cops and right in the middle of all that they raised the price to $129. A lot of pissed off people in that store.
Maybe that ##### Goudie was right about one thing, maybe we should have a uniform commisary system. The politicians could skim right off the top from that.
You meant to say "beneath them." Right CPS victim and holder of GED?
Well put
Anonymous said...
It's cheaper to make the wagon a D-2 spot!
That makes too much sense for this city, and get rid of this dumb contract!
Now that would be a smart move on the city as well as motivate coppers to work the wagon!
7/03/2009 09:44:00 AM
And a bid position!
Undertaker said...
Fuck that i had my share of hauling dead bloated bodies out of a pack rat's apartment/home/attic/basement/tub/ stuck to a carpet/matress/lazy boy couch. $12? Not enough money. remeber we bitched and moaned that there were never any body bags, protective suits and gloves good enough to do the job.
7/02/2009 02:32:00 AM
Don't forget stuck to hot radiators. The first time I made the mistake of grabbing a several day old body by the arm and felt and saw the skin peel off like a long glove, well, I never did that again. I can still clearly remember that dead body smell. I still carry Vicks in my bag. And the memory of the outline of a body on the carpet in maggots. That was choice. Hot July day.
Let someone else get the extra pay. I did enough for regular PO pay.
Anonymous said...
You meant to say "beneath them." Right CPS victim and holder of GED?
Well put
7/03/2009 08:53:00 PM
Hey, a GED got me on this police department. High School and I just weren't getting along too well. Then tuition reimbursement got me through college.
"I witnessed it first hand and it was disgusting how someone family loved one was used as some form a bargaining chip. As I remember, Feds got involved and many cops resigned."
THEY GOT INVOLVED WHEN THAT DRUNKEN SOTZ MIKE ROYKO DECIDED TO DO AN EXPOSE ON THE PRACTICE. OLD MAN DALEY BLEW A GASKET THERE WERE POS & PPOS THAT WERE ASSIGNED TO THE WAGON THAT GOT FIRED EVEN AFTER THE POS TESTIFIED THEY HAD ZERO INVOLVEMENT.
NOTHING CHANGES...
no more stinkers for me--- maybe burke would like a little side job bagging up some maggot pies on his day off---
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