On April 25, Kissimmee firefighters will be shifting to a new schedule where firefighters will be working 24 hours on, 72 off. This isn’t just a simple change in workweek or timing; it is a purposeful innovative choice that will lead the way for other fire departments. In fact, Oceola County Kissimmee Fire Department is the first to adopt the new 24/72 schedule. The previous firefighters, worked on a 24/42-hour schedule, working for 24 hours and having 42 hours off.

On June 4, city leaders decided to implement this new schedule to better health and “public safety” (Fire Rescue 1). The Fire Chief himself, Jim Walls, explained that numerous studies proved this to be an effective schedule for both the efficiency of the department and the personal productivity of the firefighters. The 30 more hours that these firefighters are getting will go directly towards more time to recover after their shifts. The Kissimmee Firefighters Union President, Joshua Clark, is fully onboard for this decision. The approximately “700 fewer hours annually,” (as studies have shown) will “reduce fatigue” and improve the “mental and physical health” of the firefighters that we rely on (Spectrum News 13).

The change will cost an estimated $6 million to fund to maintain salaries while shifting hours.

Jim Walls says, “I’ve shared our studies with a lot of chiefs…everybody’s looking at it.” This shift is innovative, causing the market to rise in competition as each department begins to evolve (Spectrum News 13).

It is not just the fire departments changing! Kissimmee is not the same town it was 10 years ago, and it certainly won’t remain that way in the coming decade. A $16.3 million Connect Kissimmee Complete Streets Improvement Project is beginning this summer! The plan is aimed to support not only business owners, but also students by improving the walkability of our city. With the population growing in size, and more businesses rising, we can expect to see a new Kissimmee being shaped everyday all while preserving our historical landmarks.

As Chief Walls said, “we’ll be over 100,000 residents in the next 10 years” (Spectrum News 13). Our community firefighters are invaluable. The demand for fire department safety will only increase as population grows. It is a significant accomplishment to have our service workers evolve in procedures as they continue to aid and protect Kissimmee. This decision “is about taking care of our people so they can continue taking care of the community” (Spectrum News 13).