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Firefighters and residents urge Garland committee to change schedules, cite burnout, recruitment and mental-health data
Summary
During public comment, current and former Garland firefighters urged a schedule change to reduce burnout and improve retention; a captain cited survey data showing suicidal thoughts among departmental respondents and urged moving toward a 42-hour (24/72) week for recovery and family time.
Several current and former Garland firefighters addressed the Fire & EMS Stakeholder Committee during the public comment period, urging changes in staffing and schedule to address heavy call volumes, recruitment challenges and mounting mental-health concerns.
Tommy Little, who said he has 33 years with Garland’s fire service, described a sharp rise in calls over his career: "We used to make 12,000 runs a year. Take us to today ... we make 30 to 32,000 runs a year," he said, and argued that the department is well below recommended minimum staffing per firefighter. Little said retention and recruitment depend on both pay and schedule, noting Plano and Irving as competitive peers.
Captain Brian Harpster presented internal survey findings and a call-volume trend that he said support schedule change. "Out of 157 responses, 17 people reported suicidal thoughts. 4 people created a suicide plan, and 1 person made an attempt in their life," Harpster said, and argued that moving from a 56-hour week toward a 42-hour workweek (via 24/72 shifts) would improve sleep, recovery and long-term health.
Robert Spears read a prepared statement describing firefighters who left for other departments (Frisco) and returned, and urged the committee to preserve department culture and competitiveness so Garland does not become a training stop for younger hires pursuing better schedules elsewhere.
Speakers repeatedly stressed recruitment and retention pressures: Little and others referenced reduced test participation (e.g., earlier hiring pools of 900 applicants versus recent draws of ~500) and competition from neighboring cities that have changed schedules or increased pay. Commenters asked the committee to prioritize firefighter well-being and to identify funding sources that would not harm other city services.
Committee members heard these comments before staff presented a financial overview and cost scenarios for a possible schedule change.
