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State Forestry warns of staffing shortfalls and retention gap; 40% turnover reported as counties and chiefs press for benefits
Summary
Wyoming State Forester and county fire leaders told the Joint Appropriations Committee that state forestry maintains a small permanent firefighting workforce (seven permanent firefighters) and substantial turnover. Officials and county chiefs urged a review of benefits and retirement parity to reduce attrition and build in-state capacity.
State Forestry leaders and local fire managers told the Joint Appropriations Committee that Wyoming's permanent firefighting capacity is small and that employee turnover is significant.
Kelly Norris said Wyoming has seven individuals it would claim as permanent firefighters and a small seasonal and administrative complement: eight seasonal firefighters and roughly 16 staff who provide statewide administration and county support. Comparing permanent firefighter counts to other western states, the forester said Wyoming ranks at the low…
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