BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. — Firefighters in Bradley County are raising concerns about staffing levels, pay and aging equipment, saying the department is stretched too thin to serve the community effectively.
One firefighter said he joined the department to serve his community, but in doing so has sacrificed time with his family. He also said the current salary makes it nearly impossible to build a future in Bradley County.
At a recent fire operations event, firefighters highlighted aging and strained apparatus, outdated equipment and a “make it work” attitude that they said should not be necessary in modern emergency services.
The current approach shifts resources from one station to another, leaving some areas uncertain whether a mainline engine can respond in an emergency.
Bradley County Fire and Rescue has lost more than 50 firefighters in the past couple of years, according to a department lieutenant…