Gainesville Fire Rescue nears full staffing for first time in a decade

The City of Gainesville City Commission meeting held on March 6, 2025, focused on significant updates regarding the Gainesville Fire Rescue staffing and community safety initiatives.

During the meeting, Lieutenant Baker provided an overview of the department's current staffing situation, revealing that the fire department is on track to achieve full staffing for the first time in nearly a decade. Currently, there are four firefighter vacancies, with a hiring class nearing completion and another group expected to join in May. This marks a substantial improvement from two years ago when the department faced 30 vacancies. The total allocation for the department stands at 213.5 positions, with 176 operational firefighters on the road.

Commissioner Boatman praised the implementation of the 24/72 scheduling system, which aims to enhance work-life balance for firefighters and improve recruitment efforts. The commission expressed gratitude for the support from the city manager's office, acknowledging the challenges faced during the transition to this new scheduling model.

In addition to staffing updates, Commissioner Duncan Walker commended the city's efforts to address gun violence, highlighting the positive impact of recent initiatives. Walker expressed pride in the progress made over the past year and a half, noting a significant decrease in gun violence incidents. The collaborative efforts of city staff, community members, and local organizations were recognized as crucial to this success.

The meeting concluded without public comments on the discussed topics, but the commission expressed appreciation for the hard work of the Gainesville Fire Rescue team and the ongoing commitment to community safety. The discussions underscored the city's dedication to improving public safety and supporting its first responders.