Columbus firefighters to see boost to vacation days

Columbus firefighters will receive more vacation days under a plan adopted by the Columbus Board of Public Works and Safety Tuesday morning.

According to the fire department, firefighters will each receive two more days of vacation time for each tier of service within the existing vacation framework.

The proposal was an effort between the firefighters union and the fire department administration and is part of a strategy to address the health and wellness needs of city firefighters. According to the department, by offering more time off, they hope to enhance rest time, reduce physical and mental health stress and combat fatigue and burnout. They say it will also enhance recruitment and retention efforts.

Columbus Fire Chief Andy Lay praised the increase, saying that it will improve the work-life balance of current firefighters but also “serves as an attractive benefit for future firefighter candidates.”

The department analysis indicated that they could provide the extra days with the current operational budget. The Columbus Fire Department permits up to four firefighters to be on vacation per shift-day.

Firefighter Union 2190 President Bryan Bailey, said that the previous vacation framework has been in place for over 40 years.