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N.C. FD switches to 24/72 shift for better work-life schedule

Greenville City Council approves a 24/72 schedule to boost recruitment and work-life balance

GREENVILLE, N.C. — The Greenville City Council approved moving the Fire Department to a 24/72 shift schedule, 24 hours on, followed by 72 hours off, making it the first metro department in the state to do so.

City and department leaders say the change is designed to improve recruitment, retention and long-term workforce stability, WNCT reported.

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“What it does is it creates more of that work-life balance, provides more hours to replenish the mind, and also improves service care,” City Manager Michael Cowin said.

On social media, the department said it currently operates on a 24/48 schedule. The new shift schedule will give crews more time to recover, physically and mentally, from the high fire and EMS call volume.

Officials say crews will work at least 24 fewer hours each month, benefiting both employees and their families.

Do you work a 24/72 shift schedule? Do you like it? Tell us why or why not.



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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.