Based on what he saw in 2025, Hayne Griffin has grave concerns for the Asheville Fire Department (AFD).
Since 2009, Griffin has suited up with his fellow AFD members. In 2016, he was promoted to captain. More recently, in 2024, he became chair of the compensation committee for the Asheville Fire Fighters Association – IAFF Local 332. As with other Local 332 union leaders, Griffin’s focus is on improving the standard of living for his colleagues.
But by the end of last year, he says, it became evident that conditions tied to compensation, scheduling and work-life balance had eroded the morale within the department, resulting in an unprecedented 27 resignations, in addition to five retirements…