Fla. fire district to hire 6 part-time firefighters

Under the plan, part-time firefighters would work only as needed to help prevent overtime costs and would not be paid a salary

August 12, 2011 06:35 AM

The Naples Daily News

NAPLES, Fla. — The Golden Gate Fire Control and Rescue District will hire six part-time firefighters in an effort to save money, while maintaining its public safety level.

Under the plan, part-time firefighters would work only as needed to help prevent overtime costs and would not be paid a salary, Golden Gate Fire Chief Robert Metzger said.

Part-time employees would be paid at a lower rate and not receive benefits. They would get called in when vacation or sick time requires more staffing.

“The intent here is to fill a position with a qualified (firefighter) at a lower rate of pay,” Metzger said.

Metzger estimates the plan could save the district $30,000 annually.

Given staffing reductions in many fire departments struggling to meet budget restraints, Metzger predicts there will be plenty of firefighters needing to work.

The part-time firefighters will face an uncertain work schedule.

The trade-off is that it will help licensed firefighters meet state requirements that they continue to work with a fire department within a three-year period to keep certification.

The deal was negotiated by the fire officials and the district’s firefighters union. It was approved by fire commissioners Wednesday night. Metzger said input from the union was essential.

“The Golden Gate firefighters get it,” he said. “They realize the fiscal situation we’re in and they helped, at least temporarily, solve a problem we have.”