The Myrtle Beach Fire Department is hoping to extend the vacation time for its members by one day, which they say will benefit the community as well as their department. Currently, firefighters put in 24-hour shifts and then take 48 hours off. Although this schedule might seem perfect on paper, Captain Jonathan Evans stated that it can be rather taxing. “You usually work 40 hours a week, but these men and women are working 53 hours,” Evans stated. “Therefore, it can be extremely taxing on your body, mind, family life, and all those other things.”
Additionally, Horry County Fire Rescue operates around the clock. Evans stated that other agencies nationwide are contemplating a different timetable, even though this is the norm for the majority of fire departments. The agency intends to change the 48-hour workweek to a 72-hour workweek. According to Evans, this allows their members more time to heal and gets them ready to contribute back to the community. Evans stated, “There is more time to rehab in between to have that family time.” “You can work a second job if you need to and want to. “Hey, I’m going to enjoy these three days off in between,” is another option. It’s fantastic, and it brings us one step closer to the 45-hour workweek.
According to Evans, the department would need to hire more firefighters to cover the additional shift in order to implement this new work plan. However, the department is seeking support for the necessary funding. Evans stated, “We currently have a grant available to assist us in hiring eight additional firefighters to help us with that up-staffing.” “The City Council has been incredibly accommodating and is working to assist us in achieving that as well, as they recognize its advantages.”
The department requested that the City Council of Myrtle Beach submit an application for a FEMA Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. According to MBFD Chief Tom Gwyer, the award would allow for the hiring of eight additional staff members and cover $1,277,079 over three years. According to Gwyer, the city would pay 25% of the salaries during the first two years and 65% for the third. According to Evans, “it was a very big possibility this year.” Additionally, we didn’t anticipate that this fiscal year would be favorable for it. We therefore hope that the transition will be quite smooth over the course of the next year or two as we continue to design and staff our department.
The department thinks the new schedule will help recruit new members, Evans noted.
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