After years of relying strictly on volunteers, the Highlands Fire Department is bringing on six new, full-time staff members. These new members will help fire chief Ryan Gearhart and assistant Robbie Forrester provide 24/7 fire coverage to Highlands property owners.
The fire department recently opened a new fire station in April with the goal of housing a full staff, a goal that is satisfied for now, according to town manager Josh Ward.
“We are happy to announce that we have filled the six full time firefighter positions we put in the budget and those new employees will begin work in the next week or two,” Ward said during the June board of commissioners meeting. “I know chief Gearhart is excited to be fully staffed and to start the full time paid fire department coverage.”
Gearhart explained that the new crew will help alleviate the burden on Gearhart and his assistant, but especially on volunteer firefighters who have to respond to all calls during the night.
The crew will start June 29 and they will work in three shifts. Two firefighters will be on shift for two days, after which they will rotate out with the next shift, which will also be stationed for two days before passing their shift onto the next group. Four firefighters will be at the station during the day including Gearhart, his assistant, and whichever two are on shift at the time.
More crew members may be needed in the future. Gearhart explained the call volume seems to go up each year. Additionally, communication equipment is a future need.
The crew will have routine duties, such as fire hydrant work, in addition to responding to calls, although the response is the number one priority. The fire department responds to every sort of call, whether medical or incendiary. The fire department also responds to search and rescue, car wrecks, and fire alarms.
Since summer is such a high traffic season, Gearhart encouraged cautious driving to avoid accidents. He also said if you notice a car that has wrecked or gone off-road and you can do so safely, attempt to stop and get their information before calling the 911 so responders understand the urgency of the situation.