The additions bring the department closer to the staffing target city officials outlined in May.
The Keene Fire Department began the week with four new probationary firefighters on the roster as the city moves ahead with staffing changes prompted by growing demand and frequent off-duty call-backs.
Trevor Heise, Aaron Jahos, Jacob Macomber and Levi Colvin have entered a four-week orientation period. After that training is finished, they are expected to move into regular shift assignments.
The additions bring the department closer to the staffing target city officials outlined in May, when City Manager Elizabeth Ferland said the city was considering four new positions to raise the minimum number of firefighters on duty from 12 to 13.
Pressure to expand staffing had been building for more than a year. The city had already taken a similar step the previous year to fully staff all three city ambulances, increasing per-shift personnel from 11 to 12.
Calls for more help intensified again after a house fire in November injured three firefighters. Even with the latest hires, the department remains below the level the local firefighters' union says is needed, with the union maintaining that 16 personnel per shift would be more appropriate.
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