Originally Posted on March 30, 2020

I wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for your continued service to the City of Chicago and its residents amid this unprecedented public health crisis. This City has an obligation to support each of you who are on the frontlines in the fight against this pandemic, and I wanted to make you all aware of a new resource designed specifically to ensure Chicago's first responders can find reliable childcare that will allow them to continue their crucial work.

Last week, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Sittercity, America’s first online resource for in-home care, announced a new initiative to connect Chicago's police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel to a support network of thousands babysitters and nannies that can provide childcare while you continue to serve this city. Through this initiative, Sittercity will provide three free months of the Sittercity Premium service and will connect those on the frontlines of fighting this crisis with volunteers to help care for their families during this time.

I urge all members that are in need of childcare to register on sittercity.com/chicagoresponds. If you are interested, you can simply post a job to the platform detailing your needs - including dates, times, and the number and age of children. The job post is shared with available caregivers in the area who can choose to apply.

At the Chicago Police/Fire Department, our police officers/firefighters answer the call on people's darkest days and regardless of today’s difficult times, we will continue to answer that call. However, it's our job to support you and make sure you all have the resources and supports needed to do your job safely and effectively.

We all have a duty to keep each other safe during this trying time.

Thank you again for your continued service,

Interim Superintendent Charlie Beck

Chicago Fire Commissioner Richard Ford II