LUBBOCK, Texas — The Lubbock Professional Firefighters Association has polled residents on a proposed shift change that would give firefighters more time off while creating additional positions.
Association President Joseph Wallace said a text survey drew more than 1,500 responses in two days, with over 86% of respondents in favor of the change, KCBD reported.
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“We didn’t want to go down that rabbit hole unless we knew or had an idea if our citizens would support that. Because that’s who we answer to,” Wallace said.
The Lubbock Fire Department currently operates on a 24/48 schedule, with firefighters working 24 hours on and 48 hours off. The proposed change would move to a 24/72 schedule and add a fourth shift. Wallace said the new model would reduce firefighters’ annual workload by about 700 hours and create 133 additional positions.
Under the proposed 24/72 shift, firefighters would have more rest and less exposure on duty, while the city would gain 133 additional firefighters, expanding its available workforce.
The 24/48 shift has been in place for more than 25 years, even as firefighter duties have expanded to include a heavy volume of EMS calls. With many members now reaching retirement age after long careers under the increased workload, union leaders say they worry about the long-term health impacts on firefighters.
The change wouldn’t happen right away and must still be presented to the fire chief. Wallace, who has consulted with Plano Fire-Rescue after its recent move to a 24/72 schedule, said feedback there has been positive and urged supporters to contact their city council members.
Would you be in favor of switching to a 24/72 shift? Why or why not?
