Trending Topics

N.C. FD switches to 24/72 shift for better work-life schedule

Greenville City Council approves a 24/72 schedule to boost recruitment and work-life balance

GREENVILLE, N.C. — The Greenville City Council approved moving the Fire Department to a 24/72 shift schedule, 24 hours on, followed by 72 hours off, making it the first metro department in the state to do so.

City and department leaders say the change is designed to improve recruitment, retention and long-term workforce stability, WNCT reported.

| MORE: Aren’t we tired of this? Sleep and shift work in the fire service

“What it does is it creates more of that work-life balance, provides more hours to replenish the mind, and also improves service care,” City Manager Michael Cowin said.

On social media, the department said it currently operates on a 24/48 schedule. The new shift schedule will give crews more time to recover, physically and mentally, from the high fire and EMS call volume.

Officials say crews will work at least 24 fewer hours each month, benefiting both employees and their families.

Do you work a 24/72 shift schedule? Do you like it? Tell us why or why not.



Trending
The new Spartan engine features 600 feet of 2½-inch static load housed in a low hosebed
Los Angeles County Fire Department’s team deployed with 71 members, six canine teams and 84,000 pounds of equipment to assist alongside Virginia Task Force 1
A massive blaze at the Allentown riverfront factory spread to nearby homes, forced evacuations, prompted a shelter-in-place order and knocked out power to thousands
Firefighters have contained the massive blaze at the Lineage Logistics warehouse, and investigators are working to determine the cause
Company News
The department’s transition to Pierce custom chassis pumpers reflects a commitment to firefighter safety, operational efficiency and apparatus built specifically for urban fire service demands

Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.