The Flagler Beach Fire Department is receiving crucial support from neighboring Palm Coast after a series of resignations left the department struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels. The crisis began when the fire chief was dismissed, leading to nearly half of the department’s firefighters resigning within a month. This exodus created significant staffing challenges, forcing the remaining personnel to work extended shifts to ensure emergency services remained operational.
Interim Leadership and Extended Shifts
Interim fire chief Jennifer Fiveash reported that firefighters were regularly working 48-hour shifts to cover the vacancies. She noted the physical, mental, and emotional toll these extended hours were taking on the firefighters. “When it’s a constant 48 hours, it’s not just a physical, it’s a mental, emotional drain on your body as well,” Fiveash explained.
Collaboration with Palm Coast
To address the shortage, Flagler Beach entered into an agreement with the Palm Coast Fire Department. Under this arrangement, Palm Coast is providing a three-person crew and a fire engine to help cover shifts in Flagler Beach. Fiveash emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating that using Palm Coast’s personnel and equipment helps ensure both departments can continue operating safely and effectively. “They’re comfortable with their apparatus. They know their equipment. It does very differently from ours, so we wanted to make sure that both sides were completely covered and protected,” she said.
Financial and Future Considerations
The agreement is expected to cost Flagler Beach approximately $54,000 and will remain in place through July 2. Meanwhile, the department is actively recruiting new firefighters in hopes of restoring staffing levels before the agreement expires. Fiveash expressed optimism about the recruitment efforts, noting that the department recently completed testing and interviews and is hopeful about making job offers soon.
Rebuilding and Moving Forward
The hiring effort is part of a broader initiative to move forward following concerns about previous leadership and workplace culture. Fiveash highlighted the focus on rebuilding the department and fostering a positive work environment. “They are reminded of that daily, that they get to choose their attitude when they come in, and they can choose a great one or they can choose a poor one,” she said. City leaders are hopeful that the combination of outside assistance and new hires will allow the department to return to full staffing and resume normal operations by early July.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
