Alachua County Fire Rescue celebrated its largest pinning ceremony to date as the department welcomed nearly 45 new firefighters, EMTs and paramedics to the team.
The new recruits are preparing to hit the road and serve the community, just in time for the implementation of the department’s three-week Kelly Day. This happens to be one of the largest contracts in the department’s history.
This new policy, which provides one paid day off every three weeks, will take effect on May 22 and is partially responsible for the department’s significant increase in staff. Alachua County Fire Rescue recognizes the efforts of its staff every day and acknowledges they deserve the time to recuperate and balance work in their lives.
“There’s a large push for work-life balance and mental health wellness for public safety professionals throughout the country,” Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Jeff Taylor, 49, said. “We’re no exception.”