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Laredo fire training pipeline strained; union and chiefs weigh faster medics vs. 22‑month academy
Summary
City negotiators and union leaders discussed academy capacity, the 22‑month training program, two academies per year, instructor shortages and options to expand throughput (contracting retirees, more instructors) while warning of risks to competency and retention.
LAREDO — A central concern raised during the negotiations was whether Laredo can train enough firefighters and medics fast enough to close staffing gaps without sacrificing core competencies.
The department’s current academy is roughly 22 months, the gathering heard, with the EMS portion taking about 16 months. Association members asked whether the EMS portion could be front‑loaded so new hires can cover ambulance shifts sooner. Laredo’s fire chief replied that while the EMS training…
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