‘Staffing shortages – described by an assistant chief as the worst in 25 years -- resulted in the closing of two engine companies in Raleigh this past weekend.
In a statement to residents obtained by WNCN 17, IAFF Local 548 officials said it was a sad day in Raleigh. In addition to the closures, only three fighters were riding engines and ladders. The heavy duty rescue also was operating with fewer people.
"We’ve been warning of this for months. We’ve provided countless solutions to combat this for months but have been continually discredited by City Staff,” their statement read.
Raleigh’s Assistant Chief for Professional Development Ian Toms, told WNCN reporters he hasn’t seen a firefighter shortage like this since he joined the department 25 years ago.
Further, he said while the staffing shortage has been taxing for firefighters, it hasn’t impacted their service.
Firefighters explained the ramifications of being short-staffed. “Typically, ladder companies ride 4 personnel, and split into teams of 2 on scenes of fires to accomplish searching for victims and removing toxic superheated gases to give victims the best chance at survival. We are unable to provide both services today from one ladder company. And if a ladder company must use its fire pump and personnel to put out fire, no search team for victims will be available from that company.”
Fire Chief Herbert Griffin told reporters: “This is not uncommon in the American Fire Service, out of service units. This is something we deal with everyday because there is mandatory training and mandatory physicals that have to be done everyday,”
There are 67 vacancies but that number is expected to grow to 71 as other firefighters are ready to retire.
If all 55 recruits graduate from the fire academy by year’s end, all the vacancies still won’t be filled.
To help alleviate the problem quickly, the department started a lateral transfer program on Friday, according to published reports.
Certified firefighters who have two years of experience will be considered. The city also is offering a $4,000 signing bonus and boosting pay to $49,369.
