For the past couple of weeks, the Washington Park Fire Department has been busy putting out multiple fires, but it's department chief is now answering questions about the past of some firefighters.
“Yes, I know both of my deputy chief and both my captain are both convicted of arson,” said Fire Chief Charles Schreiber said. “It was a mistake they made in the past. We feel they are no threat to the public. We know they're not going to set another fire or anything like that.”
Schreiber is aware of their pasts, but believes everyone deserves second chances. He’s confident in their abilities as firefighters, and isn’t worried about his own reputation.
“Just knowing their past,” Schreiber said. “Their experience as firefighters. This has happened years ago. There's been no other suspicions of anything.”
The chief hopes his own years of experience will end any concerns the public may have about hiring two convicted arsonists.
“If I had any concern that they were arrested for setting another fire, I would not have them on the department,” Schreiber said.