These Prince George's Co. fire stations become all volunteer under new summer staffing plan

LARGO, Md. — A new staffing allocation plan announced Friday by Prince George's County Fire Department means some fire stations in the county will only be staffed by volunteers. The new plan was developed to address ongoing staffing shortages across the county.

Under the plan, career firefighters at several fire stations will be moved to other stations based on need. 

“This strategic staffing reallocation is vital to combat fatigue and maintain the health and safety of our fire and EMS personnel while ensuring that our residents continue to receive the high level of emergency services they depend on,” said County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “We are committed to addressing the staffing challenges and supporting our dedicated firefighters and EMS personnel.” 

The Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department continues to face a staffing shortage of 251 career firefighters. This shortage, exacerbated by the challenges of COVID-19, has significantly impacted the department’s ability to recruit and hire new personnel, the department said Friday. 

"The resulting vacancies and anticipated leave this summer are expected to affect the health and safety of employees and cost taxpayers over thirty million dollars annually in overtime expenses."

Beginning June 30, career firefighters from the Berwyn Heights station, Greenbelt station, Bowie-Belair station and Bunker Hill station will be temporarily reassigned to fill vacant positions throughout Prince George's County

Berwyn Heights is currently staffed with six career firefighters Monday-Friday. Greenbelt is staffed with 24 firefighters, with six dedicated to each 24-hour shift. Bowie Belair is staffed with five firefighters Monday-Friday. Bunker Hill is staffed with 20 firefighters, with six dedicated to each 24-hour shift. 

The department said the decisions were data-driven. The department will also assign EMS units during peak hours and continuously evaluate response data to redeploy assets as needed to ensure community safety. 

Earlier this month, the town of Berwyn Heights pushed back against the staffing plan, expressing concern for the safety of its residents. 

"Since 1974, the county has provided career firefighters to staff the Berwyn Heights Station from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday to supplement the volunteer membership while their members are at work or school during the day and unavailable to staff the station. This combination staffing model has resulted in the station remaining in service around the clock at a fraction of the cost to taxpayers for over 50 years. The Town hopes this model will resume, at the latest, at the end of Summer 2024," the town said in a press statement.

The Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating its 100th year of service, and averages over 6,000 emergency calls per year. 

On Friday, Prince George's County Fire Chief Tiffany Green said there is no reason for residents to worry.

"Absolutely not," Green said. "We're resilient as a county."

Green reassured reporters that no fire stations would be closed as a result of the staffing changes.

"We do this every day. We move resources every day. We deploy resources where they're needed and where demand is needed to fill service gaps," she said.

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