“The township has taken this action because we want to ensure we have adequate staff to meet the needs of our community,’’ said Shannon Hartkemeyer, chairwoman of the board of trustees.
The township is experiencing a growing number of calls for service and a dwindling number of part-time firefighters available to work.
Last year firefighters responded to 3,845 fire and emergency calls. That number is projected to increase to 4,100 calls this year, Berter said.
“We continue to lose part-time firefighters. Increasing full-time firefighters simply stops the bleeding,” Berter said.
In the last five years the township hired 29 part-time firefighters but had 53 resign. The department now has about 30 part-time firefighters on its roster but that number changes frequently, Berter said.
To fill half of the daily schedule with part-time firefighters, 43 part-time firefighters are needed, according to a staffing report. Currently 18 part-timers work a set schedule; four work on an as needed basis, and four are on a leave of absence.
The minimum number of firefighters on duty is 11 – with six assigned to fire headquarters and five at the Gilmore Road station, Berter said.
When the new and vacant positions are filled there will be 30 full-time employees which includes the chief, deputy chief, four captains, three lieutenants, and 21 firefighters.
Long-term, Berter said he’d like to see 42 firefighter and supervisory employees plus one administrative assistant.
“All of this is contingent on determining a long-term funding which includes levies lasting longer than anticipated.”
Berter said the department will continue to apply for the SAFER grant – Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response – although it has not been awarded the grant in past applications.
If approved the grant pays a portion of the cost of firefighters for three years after which the township would have to pay the full cost.
The deputy fire chief would oversee training and work in daily operations, Berter said. It replaces the assistant chief position which has been vacant since last year’s resignation of Matt Schumann.
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