Macon-Bibb County Fire Department welcomes 23 new firefighters

Chief Edwards says the department has struggled with staffing shortages since the city and county governments consolidated back in 2014 but says more flexible schedules and increased starting pay for firefighters are going a long way toward filling vacancies.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – After 12 weeks of intense training, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department welcomed 23 new firefighters today.

The class, made up of 21 men and two women, was sworn in at a ceremony inside the Rock Springs Baptist Church. Fire Chief Shane Edwards says the Macon-Bibb community is lucky to have this newest group of first responders ready to respond to answer the call.

“We’re looking forward to getting them on some firetrucks and running some fire calls very soon,” Edwards said. “These firefighters have went through three months of rigorous training, truly making a difference in what they do for the department.  This is a very great group, very professional group of men and women.” 

Chief Edwards says the department has struggled with staffing shortages since the city and county governments consolidated back in 2014 but says more flexible schedules and increased starting pay for firefighters are going a long way toward filling vacancies.

“There’s a lot of good young people out in our community looking for careers,” Edwards said. “This is just one of those opportunities for people to come in and get a good career under their belt working for the Macon-Bibb County government. And we’re just very thankful for all of the accomplishments that all of our recruits have had today.”

Chief Edwards says the department is about 55 firefighters away from being fully staffed and expects a class of 30 new firefighters to be sworn in in the spring.