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Syracuse fire chief says 28 recruits would fill budgeted ranks; retirements loom
Summary
Fire Department officials told the Public Safety Committee a recruit class that began Jan. 2 could restore the department to its budgeted sworn strength if all 28 trainees graduate, while upcoming retirements and loss of a longevity incentive are accelerating turnover.
Syracuse City Fire Chief (name not specified) told the City Common Council Public Safety Committee that a recruit class begun Jan. 2 could return the department to its budgeted sworn complement if all trainees complete the academy.
"If all of our 28 recruit firefighters graduate, we will be fully staffed at our sworn budgeted number right now," the Fire Chief said.
The chief told councilors the department is already planning for retirements expected later this year and that many firefighters now retire as soon as they reach 20 years of service. The chief described the loss of an earlier retirement incentive as a factor accelerating departures and said the department is investing in training to prepare younger leaders to assume command roles.
The department reported recent promotions are determined by civil service examinations; the chief said he would provide a follow-up with specific promotion demographics. He said recruiting efforts include outreach to the city’s immigrant communities and to a cadet program at Fowler High School, and that the department has created a community service officer position to expose candidates to fire prevention work and permitting.
On staffing levels, the chief said the department currently operates with a recruit class in session and had some vacancies before the class began. He added that fire staffing includes engine companies at each station and smaller ‘‘mini’’ vehicles dispatched to high-priority medical calls to provide initial care before ambulance transport.
Councilors asked for a gender and rank breakdown; the chief agreed to email the requested demographic and rank data to committee members.
The committee heard that the department retains a civil service list of more than 500 candidates and runs entry exams every two years. The chief noted ongoing challenges in retaining experienced leaders and emphasized the department’s current focus on delivering training not previously offered to prepare newer personnel for leadership on emergency scenes.
Looking ahead, the chief said the department will continue recruitment and training efforts to maintain coverage as retirements occur and promised to provide requested demographic breakdowns to the council.
