By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The Summerville Fire Department in South Carolina added 18 new firefighters ahead of a proposed shift to a 24-72 duty schedule, officials said.
• The hiring is intended to support transition planning and maintain emergency response staffing levels.
• The department’s board approved the hires as part of its annual budget and staffing strategy.
• Officials said the additional personnel will allow flexibility in staffing and help address recruitment and retention challenges.
• Public feedback is being solicited before a final decision on adopting the 24-72 schedule.
SUMMERVILLE, SC — The Summerville Fire Department has added 18 new firefighters as it prepares for a proposal to shift to a 24-hours-on, 72-hours-off duty schedule, department officials said.
The additions were included in the department’s annual budget and are designed to bolster staffing levels to maintain response capabilities during and after a possible transition to the 24-72 schedule.
Officials said the increased staffing will give the department greater flexibility in scheduling and help address ongoing recruitment and retention challenges common across fire service agencies.
The proposed 24-72 schedule, which would involve shifts of 24 hours on duty followed by 72 hours off, is under review, and the department is gathering public feedback before the Board of Fire Control makes a final decision.
Department leadership said the additional personnel are part of a strategic staffing plan to ensure sufficient coverage and readiness, regardless of whether the shift change is implemented.
