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.
| MORE: Aren’t we tired of this? Sleep and shift work in the fire service
“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.
Gov. Kathy Hochul rejected two major EMS support measures, prompting providers to caution that funding limits and rising costs could worsen coverage gaps
December 30, 2025 10:42 AM
·
A patient fleeing a medical hold fatally beat a hospital security guard at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center, leading to a second-degree murder charge and renewed concerns about workplace violence
December 30, 2025 08:30 AM
From renting out tools to real estate crowdfunding, here are 5 low-maintenance ways for first responders to build passive income
December 30, 2025 10:31 AM
·
Mercy Regional of Oklahoma officially began providing ambulance service in Enid, marking the city’s first change in providers in more than 50 years
December 30, 2025 09:27 AM
Design supports optimal device positioning across multiple environments
December 02, 2025 05:19 PM