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Marshfield approves revised fire recruitment tracks and MOU with local union
Summary
The Marshfield Public Safety Commission approved changes to the Fire Departmentrecruitment tracks and an MOU with the union to streamline hiring and expand candidate eligibility, including a new 40-hour trainee assignment paid at 80% while candidates obtain certifications.
MarshfieldPublic Safety Commissioners voted to approve changes to the Marshfield Fire and Rescue Departmentrecruitment tracks and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the departmentunion.
Fire Chief Neil Ward told the commission the update narrows the departmentthree-track system into a simpler hiring path to avoid losing otherwise strong candidates and to place trainees on a 40-hour work week at 80% pay while they complete required certifications.
Ward said the department currently uses three career tracks: fully qualified candidates; a track requiring CPAT within 12 months, paramedic licensure within 18 months and Firefighter II within 24 months; and a third track with a similar staged-certification timeline. The approved change combines the latter two tracks so candidates who lack all credentials can be hired, work full time on a 40-hour schedule at 80% of wage, and complete training while assigned to an FTO (field training officer).
"We're not missing out on potential quality candidates because they lack a credential today," Ward said. "We can train them to become the firefighter and paramedic we need."
Ward also asked the commission to approve an MOU developed with Local 1021 (referenced in the packet) that formalizes the new process and the department-level acceptance of the changes; he requested Commissioner Kiel sign on the commissions behalf and for the chief to execute it for the department.
Commission discussion focused on which tracks were being eliminated, the flexibility of scheduling for training-class attendance, and whether the change would resemble an apprenticeship model. Ward noted the department already operates a three-year firefighter apprenticeship recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and said the proposed change complements that pathway.
The commission took a roll-call vote and recorded affirmative votes by the commissioners present; commissioners expressed overall support and the motion carried.
Next steps: Chief Ward said staff will implement the combined track, finalize the MOU signatures, and return to the commission if there are material adjustments that require further action.
