10 individuals are no longer working as inspectors for Chicago's Fire Prevention Bureau after being accused of inspecting the water pumps in high rises when they were off-duty, on weekends, so that the inspection would not disrupt those who work on the building.

8 of the former inspectors were fired, and 2 retired when an internal investigation discovered that for many years they had been scheduling, performing, and getting paid off-duty inspections, and the inspectors, instead of the revenue department would receive the $300 fee charged.

The inspectors aren't the only guilty party in this situation, however. The building owners know very well that by having an inspection scheduled for the weekend, when the inspectors were off-duty, meant that it was an under-the-table deal.

Click link below: “Chicago Sun-Times” to read the article.

Eight fire inspectors fired in scandal

Accused of doing weekend tests, sometimes taking cash

September 4, 2008

BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter