A $2.2 million grant will enable Central Pierce Fire & Rescue to hire 10 firefighters and return staffing to what it once was. The department plans to hire another five firefighters. “We’re trying to get back to where we once were,” Assistant Chief Guy Overby said. Years ago, Central Pierce had 250 uniformed personnel. Today, that number has dwindled to 242. The drop means 54 firefighters work each shift — the minimum legally required — compared with the 57 who worked those shifts in the past. Staffing limitations in 2013 forced the department to take a ladder truck out of operation at its Parkland station. It was reinstated a year later with grant funds.