BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Could Burlington’s fire department expand its staff? That’s the topic of a staffing study that recommends the department add three firefighters in what they call “overfill” positions.
The study suggests this will offset average attrition rates and help reduce overtime hours while maintaining adequate staffing levels.
The Burlington Fire Department currently has 95 employees, including 22 firefighters per shift.
It comes as the department faces a variety of challenges, including an increase in calls and high burnout among firefighters.
“All of these things that get you below that 22-person staffing and then you if you have a high attrition time, if you don’t allow your people to feel valued and like they’re making a difference, they’re just not going to stay working here,” Burlington Fire Chief Michael LaChance said.
The City Council will see the study Monday evening for the first time.