Plano firefighters to transition to '24/72' shift schedule
A new shift schedule that aims to increase recovery time for Plano firefighters and improve recruitment at Plano Fire-Rescue is set to be implemented over the next several years.
What happened: City Council approved a contract with the Plano Firefighters’ Association that will make Plano Fire-Rescue the first all-paid fire department in Texas to adopt a “24/72” shift schedule. The new system will allow firefighters to work 24 hours on duty followed by 72 hours off, which is a change from the current 24-hours on, 48-hours off schedule.
The gist: City Manager Mark Israelson said the new schedule will be implemented over the next five years, with 22 new personnel hired each year, totaling 110 planned new hires. The new staff will create a “D-Shift” that will account for the additional day off. With the new schedule, firefighters’ average work week will decrease from 56 hours to 42 hours, which will allow for extra recovery time, according to the release.
Slick City Action Park, an indoor adventure park, is slated to open in Plano this fall.
The details: The new facility will offer attractions such as jungle gyms, slides, go-carts and swings, along with special programs including adults-only nights and designated times for toddlers, according to the company’s website. The Plano location will be at the intersection of Park Boulevard and Preston Road.
