11/26/2025
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=714913641660288&set=a.119758194509172&type=3
I do think most citizens genuinely want the best for their firefighters and their fire department, even if it comes with an increased cost. The article doesn’t specify whether taxes would need to be raised or how much funding the extra shift would require, but with 86% support, it’s reasonable to assume the survey touched on financial implications. Otherwise, the approval rating might have been even higher if people thought there would be no additional tax burden.
Lubbock, Texas firefighters are pushing to move from a 24/48 schedule to a 24/72 model after a survey of more than 1,500 residents showed 86 percent public support for the change. The proposal would add a fourth shift and create about 133 new firefighter positions, reducing individual annual workload by roughly 700 hours. Union leaders argue the current schedule no longer matches today’s call volume, especially EMS demands, and that longer recovery time is necessary for firefighter health, safety, and long-term retention. Plano Fire-Rescue already adopted 24/72 and reports positive feedback, and Lubbock firefighters hope these survey findings will persuade city leadership to formally consider and approve the shift adjustment.
