Fire chief: call volume up sharply; staffing sustainability is a concern

Fire Chief Matt Ryan presented the fire department budget items and a prepared statement to the Rockaway Beach Budget Committee on April 22, saying the department faces growing demand and shrinking volunteer availability.

"Last year, our emergent calls were over 500," Ryan said, and described a multi-year increase in call volume that he estimated at roughly 75'100% over five years. He told the committee that volunteer numbers have declined and that the department's staffing model currently relies on three paid positions plus seasonal staffers and volunteers. The chief said the department is planning a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis to plan for sustainable staffing and noted a proposed summer staffing program and cadet/recruitment efforts to help bridge peak seasons.

Committee members asked what hiring an additional full-time firefighter would cost and whether that hiring would be sustainable. Ryan said the need is clear but emphasized the importance of evaluating long-term revenue to sustain any added positions: "If you were to say, yes, we could hire you a position, I wouldn't turn it down. However, I would say, is that position gonna be sustainable in 5 years?" he said. City Manager Luke Shepherd and Finance Director Marnie Johnston discussed short-term grant options that could help with summer staffing but agreed that any permanent expansion needs a sustainable funding plan.

The chief also discussed operational cost pressures including insurance and increasing equipment costs and flagged fuel and turnout-gear price increases as ongoing pressure points. He noted the department is pursuing grants and short-term solutions while the budget committee considers the longer-term strategic-plan review to align community expectations with available resources.

The committee took the department's concerns under advisement; no formal staffing action was taken at the April 22 meeting.