LIMA, OH (WLIO) - It's becoming harder to fill the ranks at the Lima Fire Department, but with a new contract, maybe that will change.
As a kickoff to Fire Prevention Week, the Lima Rotary heard from former Lima Fire Department chief Andy Heffner and new chief Jack McDermitt.
As a kickoff to Fire Prevention Week, the Lima Rotary heard from former Lima Fire Department chief Andy Heffner and new chief Jack McDermitt. Both spoke about how the department has grown not only in the number of firefighters but also in the equipment that is needed for all the calls that they respond to. It's not just fighting fires anymore; it's EMS calls, dive team responses, SWAT, team medics, and more. But one of the biggest challenges is the workforce. The city and the department recognize that and are trying to address the issue.
The department has grown not only in the number of firefighters but also in the equipment that is needed for all the calls that they respond to.
"When you got on this job, you stayed here for 30 years, and then you retired. The workforce isn't that way anymore; they're mobile. They're completely mobile, and if they see a better opportunity somewhere else, they're going to go to that opportunity. Before, you just stayed because it was your hometown; they're not doing that now. And that's going to be difficult, I think, for all industries, not just the fire service," said former chief Andy Heffner, Lima Fire Department.
Chief McDermitt says they are at 77 employees total. That includes firefighters, administrative, and support staff.
"The mayor and city council gave the guys and us a good contract that helped bridge the gap from the suburbs of Columbus that are honestly taking all of our experience. They're offering 6-figures, and we just couldn't do that. But the mayor helped bridge the gap with the last contract," stated Chief McDermitt, Lima Fire Department.
McDermitt says they are at 77 employees total. That includes firefighters, administrative, and support staff. The City of Lima will pay for your training if hired. You can find out more about becoming a Lima firefighter at https://www.limaohio.gov/.
