Dolton Firefighters Protest Unsafe Equipment and Fire Chief's Qualifications

Union leaders say the department lacks working air packs and has neglected fire engines, while the interim chief lacks required training.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:12am

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A photorealistic painting of a solitary fire engine parked on a dimly lit urban street, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the scene, creating a contemplative and nostalgic mood.As tensions rise over the Dolton Fire Department's leadership and equipment issues, a sense of unease settles over the community.Dolton Today

Firefighters in Dolton, Illinois, protested on Monday, raising concerns about unsafe equipment, including a shortage of working air packs and neglected fire engines. The union also challenged the qualifications of the interim fire chief, Quention Curtis, who they say lacks the state-required training and education. Village officials defended Curtis, saying he is addressing the equipment issues and has slashed overtime costs.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Dolton's firefighters and local government over public safety priorities and leadership. Unresolved equipment and staffing issues could put both firefighters and residents at risk, underscoring the importance of maintaining a well-equipped and properly trained fire department.

The details

According to the firefighters' union, the department only has a handful of working air packs used by firefighters to breathe in heavy smoke, with the rest being broken. The union also provided a video showing what they described as neglected and defective fire engines. They said the department has been down to just one working engine, requiring them to borrow equipment from a neighboring town.

  • The firefighters raised concerns about the equipment issues back in October 2025.
  • Interim Fire Chief Quention Curtis was appointed by Mayor Jason House last October.
  • The union filed a lawsuit last month challenging Curtis' qualifications for the fire chief position.

The players

Lieutenant Ian Cosgrove

A firefighter who spoke on behalf of the union, raising concerns about the department's equipment and leadership.

Quention Curtis

The interim fire chief appointed by Mayor Jason House, who is accused of lacking the necessary state-required training and education for the position.

Adam Farej

The president of IAFF Local 3766, the union representing the Dolton firefighters.

Mayor Jason House

The mayor of Dolton who appointed Quention Curtis as the interim fire chief.

Elder Deborah White

A Dolton resident who spoke in support of the firefighters, saying the issue is about community safety, not a personal matter.

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What they’re saying

“We have raised concerns about apparatus maintenance and pack shortages back in October, and those issues still have not been resolved.”

— Lieutenant Ian Cosgrove, Firefighter

“It is not appropriate or safe for this community to have a fire chief that does not meet standards.”

— Adam Farej, IAFF Local 3766 President

“If you want to tarnish my reputation over individuals who don't want to follow policy, be my guest.”

— Quention Curtis, Interim Fire Chief

“It's not a personal thing, it's about what's best for the community. So, I stand with the fire department. It's about their safety, and not only theirs, it's about our safety.”

— Elder Deborah White, Dolton Resident

“I stand firm with Chief Q. We stand united, we stand unapologetically with him, because this right here is what true brotherhood looks like.”

— Jerrion Smith

What’s next

The judge in the lawsuit challenging Quention Curtis' qualifications as fire chief is expected to rule on the case in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges facing Dolton's fire department, where unresolved equipment issues and leadership disputes threaten to compromise public safety. Resolving these problems will require cooperation and compromise between the firefighters, union, and local government officials.