Firefighters in our area struggle to keep up amid staffing shortages. Across the area, Richmond Fire had five engines short-staffed on Friday, 10 on Saturday and nine on Sunday. They’re worried about what these staffing shortages could mean for the community’s safety.
Richmond Fire Association said no relief has come since they sent a letter to the city at the beginning of June.
“Unfortunately, Philadelphia just had a firefighter death yesterday. We never want that to happen anywhere, but I am worried about, you know, an event like that happening to my firefighter brothers and sisters,” said Keith Andes of the Richmond Fire Association.
By the end of the month, they anticipate having to pay $4 million of overtime to firefighters. With the summer months coming, swift water teams are taking a big hit with a lack of staff.