MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Eighteen firefighters were sworn in to join the Myrtle Beach Fire Department, pushing staffing levels slightly above capacity as officials prepare for an upcoming scheduling change.
Department leaders said the move comes ahead of a planned schedule change intended to reduce firefighters’ weekly hours and improve rest periods, WMBF reported.
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Officials said the new hires bring the department to full staffing and beyond, as leaders prepare for a planned shift to a 24/72 schedule, which they say would better support firefighters.
“We’re currently under a 24-48 schedule, meaning we work for a 24-hour shift and we have two days off for those 48 hours. What that equates to is a 54-hour work week and with that also comes a lot of physical, mental stress with the job,” Captain Jonathan Evans said. “Many departments across the country have been looking at different scheduling options, and 24-72 seems to be the best because it brings you more toward a 42-hour work week. A work week at least, many of us aspire to work towards.”
Evans said the additional hires will not affect the department’s budget and are expected to help reduce overtime costs as officials plan how to use the extra staffing.
The additional staffing has allowed the department to place extra apparatus in areas seeing increased demand, including Market Common, where a squad now responds to EMS calls alongside the ladder truck as the area continues to grow.
Evans said the department will continue working toward its staffing goals, though any changes will likely be addressed during budget discussions for the next fiscal year.
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