On Monday, October 20, 2025, the Atlanta City Council made a decisive move, unanimously approving a resolution to require a minimum of four firefighters on each fire truck and engine in the city. The measure, which also extends to ladder trucks, was championed by union leadership and has been hailed as a major step forward for firefighter safety in Atlanta. But as cities like Atlanta push to strengthen their emergency response systems, other communities across the nation are grappling with a different, but equally urgent, challenge: a shortage of fire trucks and staffing, leading to delayed emergency responses.
In Atlanta, the push for increased staffing has been years in the making. According to Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department (AFRD) Chief Rod Smith, the department’s current staffing model already calls for four firefighters on each engine and three on each ladder truck. However, maintaining those numbers hasn’t always been easy. "When we don’t meet that staffing number, it’s because we don’t have members who are willing to work the overtime days. We utilize the overtime because our priority is to have four members on each engine, and three members on each ladder," Smith explained during a recent city council committee meeting, as reported by Atlanta News First.
Despite the existing model, union leaders argued that formalizing the four-person minimum is crucial for Atlanta’s unique needs. Nate Bailey, president of IAFF Local 134, emphasized that most big cities have at least four firefighters on both engines and ladder trucks, and in some cases, even five on ladder trucks. "It’s very important to have four and four. Most big cities have four and four, some even have four and five. The reason is the high-rise buildings, the threats we have in the city. We have huge stadiums. Some rural departments may only have three, but in a big city, you need four. Four means faster rescues. It means the difference between saving a life or planning a funeral," Bailey said, celebrating the council’s approval as "the best news we’ve probably had this year and that’s because it’s about safety."
The resolution was sponsored by Councilmember Michael Julian Bond, but it’s worth noting that it does not mandate Chief Smith to change existing staffing practices—it simply formalizes a standard already largely in place. The fire department, in a statement after the vote, reaffirmed its commitment to safety and transparency: "We deeply value our firefighters and the critical work they perform every day. That’s why we are committed to addressing concerns directly, honestly, and within the framework designed to protect both employees and the people we serve. We will not allow misinformation or theatrics to distort the facts or distract from our mission. AFRD will continue to operate based on safety, sound management, and unwavering service to the residents of Atlanta."
Chief Smith, who was not available for interviews following the vote, has previously highlighted the department’s strong safety record. According to an AFRD spokesperson, the department responds to structure fires on average within five to six minutes, and, remarkably, has not had a firefighter die in the line of duty since 2006.
Still, the issue of staffing remains a challenge. AFRD is currently about 85% staffed, with roughly 100 to 105 positions vacant. The department relies on overtime to fill gaps, a practice not uncommon in fire departments nationwide. But as union leaders point out, consistent minimum staffing is essential not just for the safety of firefighters, but for the residents they serve.
While Atlanta debates staffing levels, other communities are facing a more fundamental problem: a lack of fire trucks. According to recent reports from NPR, some fire departments across the country are experiencing delays in emergency responses not because of distance, but due to a shortage of equipment. Higher costs and persistent supply chain issues have made acquiring new fire trucks a lengthy process, with some departments waiting years for replacements or additions to their fleets.
These shortages have real, sometimes dire, consequences. In Bay County, Florida, several fire stations in the northern part of the county have been temporarily closed in recent months due to staffing shortages, as reported by WJHG/WECP. Residents like Katie Shaw have felt the impact firsthand. Shaw described a harrowing experience when she was forced to wait nearly 20 minutes for emergency help during a family crisis because the Youngstown Fire Station was out of service that day. "It’s detrimental to our community. Just a couple of weeks ago I had an emergency that I had to call the sheriff’s office about — and if the local fire department had been available, help could’ve gotten there quicker," Shaw recounted.
Bay County Manager Robert Majka explained that the county follows a 20-year-old policy allowing firefighter and EMS staffing to shift daily based on personnel availability. When staffing falls below minimum levels, firefighters who are also EMS-qualified are transferred to staff ambulances, ensuring medical emergencies are prioritized. However, this means that some fire stations—particularly in rural areas without enough population or tax base growth to support full-time services—are temporarily closed on a rotating basis. "These stations that are being put out of service are in rural parts of the community," Majka said. "That’s primarily because growth has not occurred at sufficient density or at a sufficient rate to support full-time services."
The Bayou George, Hiland Park, Southport, and Youngstown stations are among those most frequently affected by these closures. Majka stressed that the closures are temporary and based on daily staffing evaluations, not permanent shutdowns. To address the issue, the Bay County Commission recently approved 20 new firefighter and EMS positions, with 12 new hires already on board and expected to complete field training by December. Majka is optimistic: by June 2026, staffing should improve enough to keep more stations open and more ambulances on the road.
The problem isn’t unique to Florida. Across the United States, fire departments are contending with the dual pressures of staffing shortages and equipment delays. As NPR and other outlets have reported, higher costs and supply chain disruptions have left some communities waiting years for new fire trucks—a situation that can leave residents vulnerable in emergencies.
Back in Atlanta, the debate over minimum staffing has highlighted a broader truth: maintaining a robust emergency response system requires not just people, but reliable equipment and sustainable funding. While union leaders like Nate Bailey push for higher staffing to ensure safety—"All we’re asking for is give us the best chance to not die," Bailey said—department heads like Chief Smith point out that meeting these standards requires careful planning and resources. Smith also noted, "There was no conversation had with the department, myself, nor the leadership prior to this legislation," underscoring the importance of collaboration between policymakers and public safety officials.
As cities and counties across the country work to balance budgets, recruit and retain firefighters, and navigate supply chain headaches, one thing is clear: the stakes are high. For the residents who depend on fast, effective emergency response, every minute—and every firefighter—counts.
Whether through new ordinances, hiring initiatives, or long-term investments in equipment, the efforts underway in Atlanta, Bay County, and beyond reflect an ongoing commitment to public safety. The challenges are real, but so is the determination to meet them head-on—one fire truck, one firefighter, and one community at a time.
