| NEXT: Sleep and shift work in the fire service<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe didn\u2019t want to go down that rabbit hole unless we knew or had an idea if our citizens would support that. Because that\u2019s who we answer to,\u201d Wallace said.<\/p>\n The Lubbock Fire Department currently operates on a 24\/48 schedule, with firefighters working 24 hours on and 48 hours off. The proposed change would move to a 24\/72 schedule and add a fourth shift. Wallace said the new model would reduce firefighters\u2019 annual workload by about 700 hours and create 133 additional positions.<\/p>\n Under the proposed 24\/72 shift, firefighters would have more rest and less exposure on duty, while the city would gain 133 additional firefighters, expanding its available workforce.<\/p>\n The 24\/48 shift has been in place for more than 25 years, even as firefighter duties have expanded to include a heavy volume of EMS calls. With many members now reaching retirement age after long careers under the increased workload, union leaders say they worry about the long-term health impacts on firefighters.<\/p>\n The change wouldn\u2019t happen right away and must still be presented to the fire chief. Wallace, who has consulted with Plano Fire-Rescue after its recent move<\/a> to a 24\/72 schedule, said feedback there has been positive and urged supporters to contact their city council members.<\/p>\n Would you be in favor of switching to a 24\/72 shift? Why or why not?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \n The Greater Flagstaff Region will overhaul its firefighter academy by folding Firefighter I and II certification into training, expanding the program and reducing entry barriers\n <\/p>\n November 22, 2025 12:00 PM<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \n Firefighters pulled a man to safety after he became stuck in a tunnel while trying to help someone else out\n <\/p>\n November 23, 2025 08:00 AM<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \n Baker City Fire Chief Michael Carlson is kicking off a new cadet program for students ages 14\u201319, offering hands-on fire and EMS training\n <\/p>\n November 23, 2025 12:00 PM<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \n The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has awarded scholarships, with tuition assistance prioritized for students pursuing STEM and public safety degrees\n <\/p>\n November 24, 2025 08:25 AM<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00b7\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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