Like many businesses, Coweta County Fire Rescue is encountering its own staffing shortage. Pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing population of Coweta County has CCFR recruiting and expanding its staff. CCFR Chief Robby Flanagan said the department currently has 29 positions open. Coweta County’s proposed 2022 budget includes 27 additional positions. According to Flanagan, filling the vacancies will take several years, but the new positions were created to accommodate the growth of the county. However, Flanagan said CCFR is competing with other nearby departments to fill similar vacancies. “We know there is going to be additional growth, and the hiring process will be something Coweta County will make a priority for the next several years,” he said.