BRAIDWOOD — The community of Custer was rocked by unforeseen turbulence last week following an intergovernmental merger agreement with Braidwood on September 25th.
According to reports, despite Braidwood’s efforts to assimilate Custer’s staff post-merger, the Custer Fire Department experienced a mass resignation just one day later. But the surprises reportedly didn’t end there.
Braidwood Fire Department reports the evening of September 26th, Custer members hastily evacuating their station. Alarming discoveries awaited Braidwood officials, with the Custer station allegedly found in disarray. Equipment was reportedly left scattered, computer workstations allegedly were wiped clean, and crucial public files potentially destroyed in a suspicious bonfire at the station’s rear. The words “We quit” ominously scribbled on a whiteboard painted a grim picture.
Since then, Braidwood has stepped into providing fire services ahead of the planned merger October 1st. The Will County Sheriff’s Office is further investigating the incident.
