Chicago firefighters will take gear home to prepare for Obama rally

[Liberal_in_LA]

http://www.firerescue1.com/news/434548-Chicao-firefighters-will-take-gear-home-to-prepare-for-Obama-rally/

Chicago firefighters will take gear home to prepare for Obama rally
By Fran Spielman and Frank Main
The Chicago Sun-Times

CHICAGO — Off-duty Chicago firefighters and paramedics have been ordered to take all of their gear home with them to speed deployment in the event of an emergency at Barack Obama's giant election night rally in Grant Park.

The order begins next Wednesday and continues until Nov. 6 — two days after the election.

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The mayor would have preferred a more "controlled" environment like the United Center or Soldier Field. But, he said, "Could you see me saying 'no' to Senator Obama? Give me a break. I'm not that dumb."

Chicago Police are also preparing for the possibility of having to control unruly crowds after the polls close Nov. 4. Gang and tactical teams were trained in crowd control this spring and would be called in to quell any problems, along with the Targeted Response Unit and the newly created Mobile Strike Force.

With Obama being the first major party presidential candidate from Chicago, it required the department to plan for the potential of celebratory crowds if he wins or rioting if he loses, police said.

The planning was similar to what was in place in case the Cubs or White Sox got to the World Series and won.

Police spokeswoman Monique Bond said there's no need for officers to take special gear home with them. Specialized units carry such equipment in their cars, she said.

[madrchsod]

1. chicago had problems with gang violence after one event this summer

after much criticism on how it was handled it seems they are not going to take any chances nov 4th

[Tinksrival]

2. I'll be there with my kids

It's the first year they are all old enough to vote. We want to see history. I never considered what would happen with a loss. I just don't want to even go there.