Staffing

NOLA superintendent to retire; announcement prompts conflicting reactions

Tim McConnell was praised by officials for his efforts to restore fire stations after Hurricane Katrina, but endured scorn related to long-standing labor grievances

CARES funds help Ohio FD launch ambulance service

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The Steubenville Fire Department was able to purchase and stock three ambulances and launch the long-awaited service on Sunday

How firefighters can manage their anxiety and stay sharp as the COVID-19 pandemic continues

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Cigna

A behavioral health expert breaks down ways responders can cope with the ongoing fear and anxiety they face while responding to and providing care during the pandemic

Ga. FD seeks to add 3rd FF to each shift at each station

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Whitfield County's fire chief has proposed a plan to bring on enough firefighters in 10 years to allow for 3-member shifts at all 12 stations in the county

Ind. city considers volunteer FF program due to shortage of full-time staff

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The shortage has left two of the Hobart Fire Department's four fire stations unmanned or with minimum staffing at times

Ill. city council approves settlement with FFs' union to keep station open

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Peoria Firefighters Local 50 agreed to drop an unfair labor practice suit in order to stop the city from closing Station 20

Is a furlough in your future? Plan now.

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5 ways to prepare for and navigate a furlough at your public safety department

Things they don’t teach you in fire officer school: How to handle performance reviews

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Fire service personnel matters are the single-most difficult issue to handle, even by a seasoned company officer

Ill. city seeks to expedite FF hiring by changing EMS requirements

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The city of Mattoon plans to enter into an agreement with Mattoon Firefighters Local 691 to allow newly hired firefighters to EMTs instead of paramedics

Fla. FD assumes oversight of ambulance service after 20+ years of discussions

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Venice Fire Rescue held a swearing-in ceremony Wednesday after the city agreed to implement fire-EMS services with a staff of 24 firefighter-paramedics

Pa. 911 center cuts out nonemergency tasks for dispatchers amid staffing shortage

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A letter sent to all York County fire, EMS and police chiefs stated first responders must perform nonemergency communications tasks themselves until staffing issues are resolved

Formerly all-volunteer Texas FD adds first paid FF-EMTs

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The four firefighter-EMTs were hired to help the department maintain consistent round-the-clock staffing

Audit: Fla. city's spending on FD, PD overtime is out of control

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An internal auditor found that overtime expenses doubled over the last five years and in some cases doubled employees' salaries

Moving past COVID-19: When is it time to get back to normal operations?

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Key areas offer signs that change is afoot, while other areas remain restricted

Ill. city cuts 2 fire engines, approves 8 FF layoffs

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The council voted 6-5 to make the cuts in order to fill the city's COVID-19 budget hole, despite strong opposition from the city's firefighters' union