Maryland's fire departments are facing a significant recruitment challenge. With declining interest and increasing
vacancies, plans need to be in place for a sustainable future.
For the 2023 and 2024 sessions, MACo leadership has made firefighter recruitment and retention one of the counties' top four legislative initiatives. In 2023, the General Assembly created the Commission to Advance and Strengthen Firefighting and EMS in Maryland. SB691/HB899, a bill to implement several of the Commission's recommendations, is currently working its way through the Legislative Process.
Factors such as the allure of better-paying jobs and the proliferation of remote work have contributed to this decline in interest. The demanding nature of firefighting, coupled with extended shifts and mandatory overtime, has added to the challenges faced by these departments.
In an article published by The Baltimore Banner, Dominic Butchko, Associate Policy Director at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), emphasized the urgency of addressing these recruitment woes, advocating for innovative strategies to attract and retain firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS).
Butchko stated, "Today, we're fine. "But in five, 10, 15 years, if recruitments are still not coming in at the level we need, and retirements are continuing at pace, we'll be in trouble." With that reality drawing closer, MACo is actively supporting initiatives and advocating for policies that will fortify Maryland's fire departments and bolster community safety.
In response to these challenges, fire departments are intensifying their recruitment efforts, particularly targeting high schools to attract a more diverse pool of candidates. However, cultural shifts away from blue-collar jobs pose additional hurdles. Despite these obstacles, firefighters like Nick Bowen remain committed to their service, drawn by the sense of community and the benefits offered by the profession, including retirement pensions and health care coverage.
"There's no infant care in this country, and it affects our spouses, wives and husbands," the 10-year veteran firefighter said. "People come to this station to ride the firetruck. It's tough to be told, after riding it for 24 hours, you have to ride it again."
The impact of these recruitment struggles extends beyond staffing shortages, affecting emergency response times and the overall well-being of firefighters. The need for immediate action is evident as Maryland lawmakers consider various proposals to address these issues. MACo continues to advocate for robust solutions to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of Maryland's fire service, recognizing the crucial role it plays in safeguarding communities across the state.
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For the full article, visit The Baltimore Banner
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