CARMEL, Ind. — The Carmel Fire Department is preparing to pilot a new shift schedule to improve firefighter health and well-being.
Beginning July 2026, firefighters will move from the long-used 24-hours-on, every-other-day rotation to a 48/96 schedule, 48 hours on duty followed by four days off, a change union leaders say is designed to support more regular sleep patterns and better recovery time at home, the department said in a Facebook post.
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In 2023, Indiana updated state law on the maximum length of firefighter shifts, prompting Carmel Fire Department leaders to reexamine the impact of their schedule on wellness and operations, Current Publishing reported. A committee studied several alternatives and ultimately recommended the 48/96 schedule as the only cost-neutral option that wouldn’t require additional hiring, while still offering potential gains in efficiency, recovery time and overall well-being.
Lieutenant Sean Sutton, president of Carmel Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 4444, said the main goal of the shift change is to support better sleep and more quality time at home. Under the current schedule, overnight runs can leave firefighters exhausted on their days off, making it harder to be present with their families. The 48/96 model, he said, gives them four consecutive days to recover and reconnect each time they leave the station, rather than spreading time off across a five-day cycle.
Chief Joel Thacker began exploring the change after hearing firefighters’ interest, reviewing medical research and collecting feedback from departments nationwide that already use the 48/96 schedule.
“It would be irresponsible, knowing what I have found, knowing how the (union) members feel, to not try this to make things better for the firefighters and for the families,” Thacker said.
As part of the trial, the department will closely track firefighter health, safety and overall well-being, with the medical director, safety officers, chief and administration monitoring the schedule’s impact. A committee will also survey firefighters and their families to gather honest feedback on whether the 48/96 shift is the right long-term fit.
Departments that use the 48/96 model often report several benefits, including longer rest and recovery periods, better work-life balance, improved focus on duty and simpler staffing during busy times.
Would you prefer a 48/96 shift? Why or why not?
