Acton to pilot consolidation of fire staffing into two districts to boost training and safety
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Summary
Acton Fire Department will pilot a three- to four-month re-deployment that consolidates personnel into two districts (north and south) to increase on‑shift staffing levels, training time and simultaneous apparatus response; pilot supported by a state grant and Collins Center evaluation.
Acton officials announced a pilot program to change fire and emergency medical services deployment by consolidating staffing and apparatus into two districts for a three‑ to four‑month trial, aimed at increasing on‑shift staffing, training time and operational safety.
Fire Chief Anita Arnhem outlined the department’s rationale: recruiting and retaining firefighter‑paramedics has become difficult regionally, and operating four stations with two personnel each has diluted supervision, limited training opportunities and complicated crew cohesion. Chief Arnhem said consolidation would allow a more consistent 3–4 person engine response, enable implementation of established safety practices (such as OSHA’s "two‑in/two‑out" structure for interior firefighting) and reduce time spent redistributing equipment.
Under the pilot, south district staffing would include an engine, ladder and ambulance; north would be staffed with an engine, ambulance and brush truck, with reserve apparatus available as needed. The Collins Center — engaged with a state efficiency grant — will help the town design metrics and evaluate outcomes. Chief Arnhem said the program will be run cooperatively with local union leadership and monitored closely; the pilot is scheduled to begin in February with community notice and signage at stations.
Chief Arnhem described operational impacts: consolidation will enable more in‑house training, reduce cross‑staffing complications and better mentor newer hires who currently may be isolated during shifts. "Consolidating personnel also allows rotation of individuals amongst different apparatus without having to change stations," she said.
Ending
Town officials said they will publish pilot metrics developed with the Collins Center and report results to the Select Board. The program is framed as reversible: if outcome data or operational experience shows negative effects, staff said they will revert to the prior deployment model.
The Select Board expressed support for the pilot and emphasized that public safety is the priority; board members asked staff to return with results and any requested budgetary changes after the trial period.