BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Bloomington Fire Department has experienced a surge in recruitment since adjusting its shift schedule last year. Firefighters used to work 24 hours on and 48 hours off, and now work 24 hours on followed by 72 hours off, adding an extra day off between shifts.
The shift change has boosted interest in the department and led to more recruits, WMBD reported. Officials said many applicants are EMT-certified, though EMT certification is no longer required after the department changed the policy amid low recruitment numbers in 2024.
| MORE: Gen Z job satisfaction: Strategies to recruit and retain our youngest members
WGKT reported in October 2025 that the shift change was included in a new contract approved by the city council. The agreement also provides a 5% equity pay increase retroactive to May 1, a 4% across-the-board raise in May 2026, and a 3.5% increase in May 2027.
Fire Chief Cory Matheny said the increase in recruitment will help the department fill positions as 25 to 30 firefighters near the retirement threshold.
The number of EMT-certified recruits has also doubled over the past few years, according to WMBD.
A veteran Camden firefighter was pronounced dead after he fell through the ice at Wiggins Park Marina on the Camden Waterfront and was submerged for several minute
The Loveland Fire Rescue Authority fire chief says the agency’s board has not explained why he was placed on administrative leave
A former Baltimore County paramedic is facing criminal charges after investigators say he contaminated colleagues’ food and fire department property, prompting a months-long investigation and his arrest without bond
Since adding a fourth ambulance in September, the Anderson Fire Department has reduced response times, balanced workloads and improved coverage as EMS calls continue to dominate run volume
Hexagon’s next-generation platform provides faster, smarter emergency response
