In addressing the Lompoc City Council, we, the Lompoc Firefighters Association, feel compelled to share a matter of critical importance that directly impacts the safety and well-being of our beloved community. Our dedicated firefighters, the frontline heroes who tirelessly serve and protect, are facing significant challenges due to constant staffing and retention issues, largely stemming from uncompetitive salaries within our department.
The heart of the issue lies in the “force hire” metric, a crucial indicator of how overworked our firefighting force has become. Operating on a constant staffing model, our department mandates a specific number of essential roles to be filled daily. However, persistent vacancies, resulting from difficulties in retaining firefighters, trigger a reliance on forced overtime. This practice not only jeopardizes the retention of experienced and highly skilled firefighters but places an undue burden on those valiantly serving our community.
The toll of excessive work hours on our firefighters’ physical and mental health is undeniable. To shed light on the gravity of the situation, we’ve compiled a list of overtime hours worked by our members, both forced and voluntary. Many are working well beyond the standard 10 x 24-hour shift schedule, leading to an unsustainable work-life balance. The dedication of our firefighters is commendable, but it is crucial to acknowledge that such a demanding workload is neither practical nor sustainable in the long term.
We share a table detailing the extra months of work our members have put in this year – a staggering 4-5 months for some, even as we approach November. The adverse impact on their lives and their families cannot be ignored. It is disheartening to note that some of our firefighters are actively seeking employment elsewhere due to these excessive demands, endangering both our firefighting force and our residents.
Competitive salaries are not just about retaining experienced firefighters; they are crucial for attracting new talent to fortify our firefighting force. We implore the Lompoc City Council to address this matter urgently, recognizing that the challenges faced by our firefighters surpass those of any other department in the city. These issues cannot be remedied with one-time funding.
The downward trend in work/life balance is undeniable, and the hiring of new firefighters alone cannot provide a sustainable solution. We appeal to the City Council to prioritize competitive salaries as an investment in the safety and security of our residents and the well-being of our firefighters. Your support will undoubtedly make a significant difference in ensuring the continued safety of our community.
We extend our gratitude for your attention to this matter and remain available for further discussion. We encourage each of you to reach out to us to gain a deeper understanding of the gravity of the situation.