The Cincinnati Fire Department expects its shortage of firefighters will continue despite bringing on 46 new recruits on Monday.
Retirements currently outpace the department’s hiring, and that won’t stop soon, WCPO reports, as firefighters, including the chief, prepare for retirement soon.
In December the city issued an emergency declaration that could have required firefighters to work overtime shifts, as COVID spiked among firefighters. The union reported that no one was required to work against their wishes.
Recruiting for new employees is ongoing.
