01/09/2026
Volunteer fire departments adding paid duty crews has proven to be both a relatively cost effective approach and an effective way to ensure reliable service during times when volunteers are unavailable. This is what identifying, addressing, and actually solving a problem looks like!
The Orwell Fire Department in Ohio has added paid part-time firefighters to improve staffing reliability as traditional volunteer availability declined. The department’s goal is to ensure at least two firefighters are on duty each day, providing more consistent response coverage and reducing dependence on unpredictable volunteer turnout. The part-time firefighters, many of whom already work for neighboring departments, help cover shifts, complete routine station duties, and support fire prevention and administrative work. Local leaders view the move as a practical middle ground that strengthens service delivery while remaining more affordable than transitioning to a fully career staffed department.
