SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY)- Suffolk Fire & Rescue announced a multi-phased approach to address staffing in the department while committing to a strategy that will reduce the working hours of operational firefighters. This multi-phase approach will improve operational firefighter’s work-life balance. Other regional fire and rescue departments are implementing change in their scheduling and working hours, and the City of Suffolk is committed to being part of this change.
Two phases define the City’s and department’s plan. Phase one includes the City’s commitment to the ongoing pay and compensation study that will ensure Suffolk firefighters are compensated and commensurate to the region so that Suffolk Fire & Rescue remains competitive in compensating firefighters and paramedics. In addition to the compensation study, the City of Suffolk, and Suffolk Fire & Rescue are committed to recruitment and retention efforts. Over the past month, the department has been accepting applications for firefighter recruit, certified firefighter, certified firefighter paramedic, and career paramedics. As of today, the department has seen tremendous interest, and applications, and applications submitted to date show Suffolk Fire & Rescue are attracting applicants…