Plano Fire-Rescue becomes the first in the state to use a 24-hour-on, 72-hour-off shift schedule for its firefighters

PLANO, Texas — Plano will become the first city in Texas to adopt a 24/72 shift for firefighters, 24 hours on and 72 hours off, after the city council unanimously approved a new contract with the fire department on Sept. 16.

The agreement calls for hiring 22 new firefighters each year for the next five years, with the department shifting from its current 24/48 schedule to 24/72 in year four, CBS Texas reported. Mayor John Muns said the move reflects the city’s commitment to both resident safety and firefighter well-being.

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“By investing in this new 24/72 schedule and additional personnel, we are not only protecting the health of our firefighters but also ensuring the highest level of service for our community,” Muns said. “This decision reflects our dedication to keeping Plano a safe, thriving city with an outstanding quality of life for everyone who lives and works here.”

Calls for service have increased 30% over the past decade, and the new schedule will reduce firefighters’ on-duty time by about 25%.

The Plano Firefighters Association has pushed for a schedule change for months. While the original ask was 48/96, the city adopted 24/72, both give firefighters 48 more hours off than on, WFAA reported. Citing nationwide increases in PTSD, depression, suicide and substance abuse among first responders, city leaders say the shift will cut the average workweek from 56 to 42 hours.

Do you work a 24/72 shift schedule? What do you like or not like about it?

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