Trending Topics

Ill. chief claims he was fired after refusing to cover up medic’s negligence

Battalion Chief Joseph Gilles said his investigation determined that a paramedic did not do her job the night she responded to a call about an 81-year-old woman who choked on food at a family party

CBS Chicago

CAROL STREAM, Ill. — A fire department battalion chief in northwest suburban Carol Stream has claimed he is being fired, because he refused to participate in a cover-up stemming from the death of a woman 14 months ago.

Battalion Chief Joseph Gilles said his investigation determined that a paramedic did not do her job the night she responded to a call about an 81-year-old woman who choked on food at a family party, and even turned down an offer of help from Melrose Park Fire Chief Rick Beltrame, who has paramedic training, and was attending the party.

Additional Carol Stream paramedics, dispatched to the scene, were able to dislodge the food from the woman’s throat, but she died at Central DuPage Hospital without regaining consciousness.

Full story: Fire Chief Claims He’s Being Fired For Refusing To Cover Up Paramedic’s Negligence