Redding Fire Department (RFD) Plans to Expand Staffing in 2024 Amid Recruitment Challenges
By Devin Herenda
Published on Friday, Dec 29th 2023
The Redding Fire Department is gearing up to increase its staffing in 2024 after facing a challenging recruitment period. RFD Fire Chief Jerrod Vanlandingham has announced plans to hire 12 to 13 new firefighters to bolster the department’s ranks.
The department recently began staffing their ladder truck with four personnel for the first time in May, and they are now looking to further strengthen their team. Six recruits have already been chosen for a fire academy that is set to commence in January, with additional hires expected in the near future. Currently, the department is fully staffed on a daily basis.
Vanlandingham expressed optimism about the upcoming expansion, stating, “Our hope is, with this additional 12 that we’re going to have in place before summer of ‘24, we’re going to run two academies – like I said, one in January, and then one in probably March or April. And then we’ll have those 12 or 13 positions filled, and our hope is to put four-person staffing on three of the other engines as well.”
In recent years, fire departments across the country, including RFD, have encountered difficulties in recruiting new members. Vanlandingham highlighted the nationwide trend, stating, “Here in California, all the fire departments are experiencing less candidates to choose from, and we’re no different here in Redding.”
The RFD recruits often come from the Shasta College Fire Academy and other regional community college fire training programs. The fire chief also revealed that RFD firefighters will receive a 4% pay raise in January, following a 16% increase in the previous July.
Moving forward, the department aims to build a diverse workforce that is representative of the entire community. With competitive wages, benefits, and incentives, RFD is looking to attract and retain top talent to ensure the safety and security of Redding residents.
For more information, visit the RFD Facebook page.
The Redding Fire Department has a rich history of serving the community, dating back to its establishment in [insert historic background if available]. With the upcoming staffing expansion, RFD is poised to continue its legacy of excellence and commitment to public safety.
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