Fire chief reports tanker deliveries and staffing shortfalls; committee delays staffing change and discusses training

The county fire chief summarized operations work: upcoming physicals coordinated with Upstate Medical and a fitness forum in Westminster, tanker delivery status with multiple vehicles in the motor pool awaiting equipment and final inspections, and insurance items being moved to professional services in the proposed budget. The chief also noted supplemental insurance and transport/helicopter coverage have been budgeted for volunteers.

Staffing and training: The chief reported eight full-time departures, four part-time vacancies, five hires currently (three with no training and two working in the field), and "negative 3" open positions. Given the shortfall, the chair moved to postpone a planned station-staffing change for another month to give hiring time; the motion carried. Committee members urged flexible scheduling for classes (including evening options) to avoid cancellations and discussed which classes can be taught in-house versus those requiring certified instructors.

Why it matters: Staffing shortfalls affect response capacity and the committee said training access and transport insurance are key retention and recruitment tools. Members asked staff to provide roster and incentive records so the committee can reconcile coverage and costs.

Next steps: Staff will continue hiring and report back at the next meeting; the committee will review training scheduling to reduce cancellations and explore adding a vocational instructor position for school-based firefighter/responder courses (that request passed separately in the meeting).