By FireRescue1 Staff
HOUSTON — Firefighters swapping shifts is a common practice. However, firefighters in Houston have started exchanging funds while doing so.
An anonymous veteran firefighter spoke with ABC13 about the growing trend of firefighter’s charging others to swap shifts.
“The way it is, you’re getting paid, on top of getting paid,” the firefighter said. He said that firefighters swap and charge for shifts on several Facebook pages, in text messages and on a website. The rate for swapping a shift is between $250 and $350, but is subject to increase during the holidays.
The Facebook page, called HFD Extra Shifts, calls into question the ethics of firefighters receiving tax-free payments.
“If someone’s getting cash, from another firefighter, that is tax fraud, because they’re not reporting that cash as ordinary income,” said Houston city council member Dave Martin.
The department said while it does not condone the exchange of cash payments, it is involved in making sure all stations are staffed properly.
The anonymous firefighter stated department members are aware and turn a blind eye to the practice, according to the report.