MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Marion firefighters are raising concerns about the need for additional staffing as emergency call volumes continue to increase.
In a recent Facebook post, the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 379 shared statistics from a 15-day period beginning June 21 showing Station 2 responded to 61 calls but was unavailable for 37 others because of staffing shortages.
Fire Chief Chuck Deem said the calls Station 2 could not answer were handled by Station 1 or, in one instance, Marion Township. Station 2 is normally staffed by four firefighters, but that number was reduced to two in May, affecting the station’s response capabilities.
Dalton Adkins, president of IAFF Local 379, said the union wanted to be transparent with the public while highlighting the dedication of firefighters who continue to serve despite staffing challenges.
“The job’s still being done,” Adkins said. “It just might not be as efficient.”
Deem said that while Station 2 would normally have responded to those 37 calls, response times in the northern portion of the district may not have changed significantly. Residents in the southern portion of the district, however, could experience longer response times.
“This isn’t about us,” Adkins said. “It’s about the families waiting for help or the potential structure fire that could occur. Each lost position adds crucial seconds or even minutes to someone’s worst day. The residents of Marion deserve assurance that when they call, help is on the way, and right now, we’re being asked to meet that promise with fewer resources than necessary.”
Earlier this year, IAFF headquarters conducted an analysis of Marion’s staffing levels at the request of Local 379. Using population data and geographic mapping, the report recommended increasing the Marion Fire Department’s daily minimum staffing level to 23 firefighters. The department currently employs 56 personnel and operates with an 11-person daily minimum staffing level, raising concerns about its ability to effectively serve the community.