Maryland’s fire departments don’t have enough new employees, leading some locals to worry they could be severely short-staffed.
The Baltimore Banner reported Sunday that fire departments in central Maryland have fewer than 1,000 members in 45 precincts, with 80 vacancies and funding available.
According to the report, only about 1,400 new applicants applied from May to November 2023, and only 39 were accepted into fire academy. This is a significant decrease from before the COVID-19 pandemic, when there were up to 3,000 to 5,000 applicants.
“We’re fine today,” said Dominick Buchko, deputy director of the Maryland Association of Counties. “But if in five, 10, 15 years’ time, we still aren’t hiring at the level we need to be and retirements continue at this rate, we’re going to have a problem. .”
Since the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a significant drop in applications for fire departments. (Howard County Fire Rescue Department)
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different The departments said that while there is no central reason behind this decline, multiple factors may be impacting hiring appetite. Recruiters, primarily in Prince George’s County, argued that fire departments were competing with high-paying remote jobs for younger hires.
“We’re competing with travel jobs, IT, working from home, and COVID exposed that all day long,” said Kirk, a firefighter and medic assigned as a recruiter for the fire/emergency department.・Mr. Spencer said. “This one is for you to come and get your hands dirty. It’s always cold, it’s hot, it’s hard.”
Some have suggested that interest in becoming a firefighter has shifted generationally, and that the passion for community involvement is waning.
“That’s a different applicant,” said Yolanda Smedley, the fire department’s human resources manager. “No one is answering the phone. No one is coming dressed appropriately for the written exam. It’s the basics.”
Firefighters in Prince George’s County lamented that people are gravitating toward more remote work. (Photo by Rob Hill for The Washington Post, via Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, the mental, physical and emotional pressures of the job appear to have taken a toll on the remaining workers. Overtime was mandatory, with many working more than 24 hours per shift, and one person commented that “people are reaching breaking point.”
“It’s time to come up with creative approaches to attracting people into the workforce and keeping them there,” said Ted Delbridge of the Maryland Emergency Medical Services System Research Institute.
In 2023, the Maryland General Assembly passed a bill creating a commission to study the issue and make recommendations by December. Since then, some have proposed legislation targeting scholarships, higher education grants and loan repayment assistance that could encourage new employees. Prince George’s County also placed recruiters at local high schools to find potential “untapped interest.”
The Maryland General Assembly has proposed adding scholarships and educational grants to prospective employees. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
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according to baltimore flagIn Calvert County in particular, “the minimum starting salary is about $46,000, but many union members can ultimately earn more through overtime and promotions. After 20 years of service, union members earn the equivalent of 50% of their maximum salary.” You will be able to retire with a pension that will help you and re-enter society.” Even at the age of 65, you are eligible for coverage. The county will pay up to 80% of medical expenses before and after retirement. ”
