Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
On Dena Lewis-Bystrzycki’s first day as a firefighter in Country Club Hills, an incident reportedly set the tone for her career. According to court records, the chief at the time allegedly leaned over and made a crude sexual comment. Some coworkers laughed, while Lewis-Bystrzycki turned to one of them and asked, “Is this what I’m supposed to expect?†The engineer reportedly responded, “Welcome to the fire service.â€
Nearly 20 years later, Lewis-Bystrzycki has taken legal action, alleging that firefighters regularly watch pornography at the station, that she faced gender discrimination during a promotion, and that she was retaliated against for reporting misconduct.
The lawsuit states there are only two full-time female firefighters in the department, and Lewis-Bystrzycki is one of them. She has been with the department since 1998, following in the footsteps of her father, grandfather, and several uncles, all of whom were firefighters. “I was raised in a firehouse,†she said in an interview.
In 2012, she first filed a lawsuit against the department. On Wednesday, she submitted a supplemental complaint, claiming that lieutenants have admitted to knowing about employees watching porn at the stations. The suit also claims that the questions on the 2011 lieutenant promotion exam were written by the father of Carl Pycz, the male firefighter who received the job after scoring highest.
Lewis-Bystrzycki claims she reported this issue but was ignored. Court records state that Pycz once approached her with a smile and said, “Let the best man win.†Since his promotion, the lawsuit alleges, he has retaliated by excluding her from meals, assigning her menial tasks, and disciplining her unfairly.
Country Club Hills has referred all questions to its attorney, Daniel Boddicker, who stated that the fire chief has “terminated access to premium movie channels with nudity†and that the department is investigating the allegations further. He declined to comment on other details, saying the department expects to win the case.
Dana Kurtz, Lewis-Bystrzycki’s attorney, called the situation one of the worst she has encountered. “You have people in command doing nothing,†she said.
Court records filed earlier this month detail at least 45 instances of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation against Lewis-Bystrzycki since the start of her career. These incidents span nearly two decades.
In 1998, shortly after starting, a firefighter threw a sex-related ring at her. In 1999, another broke into the bathroom while she was showering. In 2009, male firefighters climbed into her bunk and told her to “cuddle with me.†In 2012, a sexual sticker was placed on her locker, and later that year, a ceramic doll with hands over its mouth was left on top, implying she should “shut her mouth.â€
In 2013, she was told by a firefighter that there was an “unwritten order not to assist her with anything.†This incident, in particular, left her feeling isolated and distressed. Fighting the case has left her “nerve-wracked, overwhelmed, and scared.â€
Thanks, Dan.
The Plastic Pipe Hauling Machine, also known as a haul-off machine, is a critical component in plastic pipe production lines, designed to continuously and automatically pull various plastic pipes after they are extruded, cooled, dried, and printed.
1. Caterpillar Haul-off Machine
This type of machine uses caterpillar rubber blocks or belts to grip and pull the pipes. It is available in multiple configurations, such as 2-claw, 3-claw, 4-claw, 6-claw, 8-claw, 10-claw, and 12-claw models. The pipe diameter range varies from 16mm to 2000mm, depending on the model. For example, the 4-claw model can handle pipes with a diameter of 50-250mm, while the 12-claw model is suitable for pipes with a diameter of 800-1600mm.
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Widely used in the production of various plastic pipes, including PVC, PE, PPR, and HDPE pipes. It is suitable for both small and large diameter pipes, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications.
2. Belt Haul-off Machine
This machine uses rubber belts to pull the pipes. It is typically used for small diameter pipes and can be configured with 2 belts. The pipe diameter range is usually 16-63mm.
Product Features: The belt haul-off machine offers smooth and reliable performance, especially for small diameter pipes. It features high friction coefficient rubber blocks for better grip and traction. The machine is easy to operate and maintain, with a compact structure and beautiful appearance.
Suitable for the production of small diameter plastic pipes, such as PVC pipes for water supply and drainage systems. It is also used in the production of plastic profiles and other extruded products.
3. Rubber Block Haul-off Machine
This machine uses rubber blocks to grip and pull the pipes. It is designed for various pipe diameters and can be customized according to specific requirements. The machine features a wide range of applications and is easy to use.
The rubber block haul-off machine provides stable and reliable traction, ensuring consistent production quality. It is equipped with high-quality materials and components, such as ABB or Japan Hitachi frequency governors, East battery digital tachometers, and French Schneider AC contactors, buttons, and indicator lights.
Application Scenarios: Used in the production of various plastic pipes, including PVC, PE, and PPR pipes. It is suitable for both small and large diameter pipes and can be used in a wide range of industries, such as construction, water supply, and gas pipelines.
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