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Prince George’s County, Maryland, is facing growing concerns from its firefighter union over a persistent staffing shortage. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1619 president, Grant Walker, highlighted that the county's current firefighter and firehouse numbers are inadequate to meet the demands of the expanding area. With call volumes increasing, Walker presented data indicating that average response times are significantly higher than national standards, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Fire Chief Tiffany Green concurs with the need for more staff and revealed ongoing efforts to recruit 150 new firefighters, the largest hiring initiative in the county's history. However, challenges such as competitive salaries and benefits, coupled with issues in the hiring process and mandatory overtime, have impeded progress. While the union and the county leadership agree more resources are necessary, there remains a divergence in opinion regarding response time comparisons with the region.
For more detailed insights on this issue, read the full article on WTOP News: [WTOP Article](Source)
Prince George's Firefighter Union Sounds Alarm on Staffing and Response Times
Prince George’s County, Maryland, is facing growing concerns from its firefighter union over a persistent staffing shortage. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1619 president, Grant Walker, highlighted that the county's current firefighter and firehouse numbers are inadequate to meet the demands of the expanding area. With call volumes increasing, Walker presented data indicating that average response times are significantly higher than national standards, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Fire Chief Tiffany Green concurs with the need for more staff and revealed ongoing efforts to recruit 150 new firefighters, the largest hiring initiative in the county's history. However, challenges such as competitive salaries and benefits, coupled with issues in the hiring process and mandatory overtime, have impeded progress. While the union and the county leadership agree more resources are necessary, there remains a divergence in opinion regarding response time comparisons with the region.
For more detailed insights on this issue, read the full article on WTOP News: [WTOP Article](Source)