04/14/2026
NEWTON FIRE DEPARTMENT MOVES TO PORTLAND SCHEDULE
Services provided to the citizens of Newton, NC, are the number one priority of the Newton Fire Department. In order to achieve that goal, the Newton Fire Department staff must be well rested and ready to respond at a moment's notice.
After a successful pilot program in October 2025, Newton Fire Department has made a permanent change to the Portland (1-3-2-3) schedule from the traditional 24/48 fire line staffing model.
Staff Decision:
After numerous hours of analysis combined with a data driven approach, the Portland schedule was voted on by suppression personnel, in which 92.59% of staff voted in favor of the permanent staffing model. This overwhelming response upholds the proof and impact the Portland schedule has on the department.
Portland Schedule Benefits:
For the staff's well-being and operational readiness, the Portland schedule has the following features:
Enhanced recovery time: Meaningful recovery (both physical and mental) is available to the staff with 72 hour rests that are built into the schedule.
Better alertness: Staff members are more alert and engaged due to the increased time away from shift.
Increased morale: The staffs recovery and work-life balance is improved by time at home with the family.
Investing in our staff allows for a higher commitment to community service.
The department will continue to invest in the safety, health, and sustainability of its personnel. Investing in our staff allows the department to continue providing safe, effective, and reliable services to the community.
We appreciate the department leadership for being responsive to the members needs and for keeping the department professional, prepared. and committed to the safety of the citizens of Newton.
