PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Fire departments across the state are struggling to fill part-time roles as they're starting to respond to more calls again.
The Plainfield Fire Department's part-time applications were dead during 2020 and early 2021.
Fire Chief Steven McKellar blames the COVID-19 pandemic that added a big stress to an already stressful job that requires a huge-time commitment.
"To get them to come into this type of business, that's a big risk. Not only for that person but for their family. You have the possibility of bringing something home to your family," McKellar said.
To get more part-time applicants, the department has done a social media blitz and digital signage. It has worked and applicants are now coming in, but very slowly. They also increased the pay-scale beginning of this year to be competitive in the area.
The department has 33 firefighters, including nine full-time, and hopes to get back up to 48.
"I can't hire fast enough for people who are retiring or they're moving on," McKellar said. "My part-timers like to become a full-time firefighters somewhere else and we can't offer that to them."
The current budget just doesn't allow for more full-time positions, but good news is that response times have not been affected, according to the chief.
McKellar, who became an on-call firefighter 40 years ago, said even with COVID-19, firefighting is still the best job in the world.
"It gives you a sense of serving the community and your fellow man. It's a great job. There's a lot of rewards beyond getting a pay check at the end of the week."
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