Abbeville committee advances ordinance to create part‑time firefighter positions

At an Abbeville Ordinance Committee meeting, members moved to adopt an amendment to ordinance section 2‑8 to create part‑time firefighter positions to supplement the full‑time Abbeville Fire Department. The proposal was presented with a packet of ordinance language and discussed by committee members and Fire Chief Doris.

A council member said the change ‘‘is not converting our fire department to a part‑time department. This is adding a part‑time fireman position just like we have a part‑time police officer position,’’ explaining the role is to fill in for full‑time firefighters who are on extended sick or annual leave. Chief Doris said the measure ‘‘is to supplement’’ full‑time staffing for special events, major incidents and extended absences and stressed the department would remain full‑time.

Committee members clarified operational limits included in the ordinance and the chief’s memo: part‑time hires would not be eligible for the department’s 365‑day leave policy and would be limited to 24 hours of work in a single week except during an emergency or while completing an ongoing call. The ordinance requires part‑time candidates to already hold the department’s firefighter certification, pass the same agility tests used for full‑time hires and have basic emergency medical training.

A committee member moved to adopt the ordinance and send it to the full council; another member seconded the motion and the chair called for a vote. The transcript records that the motion was made and that a vote was held, but it does not provide a clear vote tally in the available segments. The committee recorded that the item would be forwarded to the full council for final action.

The committee discussion emphasized maintaining full‑time department status while allowing certified firefighters from other departments or reserves to work limited hours in Abbeville. The full council will consider the ordinance language at a later meeting.