The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has spotlighted how Cherokee County (Georgia) Fire and Emergency Services (CCFES) has boosted its minimum staffing from two firefighters per apparatus to three after Local 4047 leaders spent years pushing for the change.
Three-person staffing began 17 August, using about 40 new firefighters from two recent recruit classes. They will be spread among 22 fire stations across the county and bring the total number of firefighters close to 500.
Ryan Osborne, Local 4047 President shared: “Even with the additional personnel, the department still won’t be staffed to national safe firefighting standards. But this is a huge step in the right direction.”
CCFES has been running just two firefighters per apparatus for years. The shortage, Osborne said, strained response capabilities and contributed to firefighter recruitment and retention.
So, when Local 4047 was chartered in June 2020, one of the first goals was to work with management to better resource the department.
Over the years, several attempts were made to improve staffing, including applying for federal grants.
But Local 4047 leaders say pushback from the Cherokee Board of Commissioners and other obstacles prevented the increase.
The IAFF also shared how the board of commissioners and fire department management finally agreed more firefighters were needed to improve public safety and they included the necessary funds in the 2025 budget.
County leaders said they were inspired to shift from two to three firefighters per apparatus by a National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The study, which was co-led by NIST Deputy Director Jason Averill and former US Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrill, found that fire crews with three firefighters can complete critical tasks 25% faster than crews of two.
Walt Dix, 12th District Vice President commented: “Increasing staffing will not just improve response times, but it will also keep fire fighters safer on the job and improve public safety.
“I am pleased that the county decision makers and the community came together to make this possible. The next step should be to work toward compliance with NFPA 1710.”
The IAFF has spotlighted how Cherokee County (Georgia) Fire and Emergency Services (CCFES) has boosted its minimum staffing from two firefighters per apparatus to three after Local 4047 leaders spent years pushing for the change.
