Staffing issues persist in NKY fire departments

LUDLOW, Ky. (WXIX) – The Ludlow Fire Department is seeing fewer applications coming in, causing concern about future recruiting.

“In the northern Kentucky area, the Cincinnati area, there is a decline in the recruitment period,” says Tim Webster, vice president of the Kentucky Professional Fire Fighters.

The downturn has gotten worse, Webster explains, citing low wages and pension changes as possible reasons behind the decline.

Webster notes that in recent years, the original firefighter pension plan has been swapped for a less lucrative option.

That drove applicants across the river to Ohio for better pensions, limiting the number of applicants in northern Kentucky and creating competition between departments, Webster continued.

“You’re away from your family a third of your life as a full-time firefighter,” explains Ludlow Fire Chief Michael Steward. “You work 120 days a year.”

It’s a big commitment that’s getting harder and harder for people to make, says Steward.

To help combat this problem, the Ludlow Fire Department is running a community knock-on campaign to raise funds for training materials, uniforms and meals.

“We have a limited budget from the city, so if we can buy something to make the members comfortable while they’re here, it’s necessary,” says Steward.

Point Pleasant Fire District Fire Chief Mike Giordano says his department is in the final stages of absorbing the Hebron Fire Protection District.

“We’re looking at taking these two organizations and turning it into a much better organization to primarily help with recruitment and retention,” says Giordano.

Giordano doesn’t expect this merger to solve staffing problems, but hopes that instead of competing, the departments will work together.

“It’s not going to solve the problem, but it would certainly be the hope that if we can be successful, we can see other organizations in our county take a look at this model,” Giordano says.

There are many opportunities available for those interested in working for a fire department in Northern Kentucky, explains Webster.

Campbell County Area Technology Center in Alexandria works with high school juniors and seniors to obtain their firefighter certifications.

Webster encourages those interested to apply to their local fire departments.

See a spelling or grammar mistake in our story? Please click here to report it.

Have a breaking news photo or video? Send with us here with a brief description.