ALPENA – During a special meeting Tuesday, the Alpena Township Board of Trustees approved hiring two full‒time candidates. If both candidates complete their pre-employment steps it will be a major step in addressing the ongoing staffing difficulties.

Alpena Township Fire Chief Tim Baker explained the recent developments at the department as it continues to seek qualified applicants to fill open positions.

“Both individuals have been assigned their pre‒employment steps,” Baker said. “Once those are completed and results are received, we will be preparing for onboarding.”

Aside from the two candidates who were accepted as new hires, there is a third candidate that received a conditional offer contingent on fulfilling certain requirements.

“A third candidate selected from the recent interviews was provided a conditional offer based on specific criteria,” Baker added. “They have until the end of May to meet those requirements to continue in the process.”

Because of the staffing issues for the department, a partial brownout was initially issued for the northside station in February but was not put into effect because staffing needs were met.

“Shift coverage has remained stable,” Baker said. “We have not had uncovered shifts in recent months, though we continue to rely on overtime, schedule adjustments, and paid‒on‒call support to maintain safe minimum staffing.”

Although the department has been able to fill open shifts with their current staff, the addition of more personnel will help to reduce the workload.

“While the system is working, it is not ideal for the long-term,” Baker said. “The addition of full‒time personnel will reduce the strain on existing staff and improve overall consistency.”

If all three of the potential hires join the department it will allow for a much more sustainable staffing model. Baker explained what that would mean from an operational standpoint.

“Hiring these individuals will strengthen daily shift coverage, reduce overtime dependency, and improve operational readiness at both stations,” Baker said.

The addition of new candidates will help reduce the workload; however, the department would like to move away from single-person responses which will require additional staff.

“Based on current call volume, training requirements, and the need for reliable two‒person responses, we will still need to evaluate additional hiring in the near future,” Baker said. “The long‒term staffing plan includes building toward a model that reduces single‒person responses and increases depth on each shift.”

Currently staffing for the township fire department consists of one full-time firefighter on duty per shift, per station. Paid-on-call firefighters that are available for response, respond from home, and mutual-aid partners provide additional support when needed.

“Responding with a single firefighter is not ideal from an operational or safety standpoint, but it is the model that fits within the Township’s current budget,” Baker explained. “The department continues to meet service demands, but additional staffing would significantly enhance safety, efficiency, and response capability.”

Although the department is making progress toward improving their staffing situation, Baker wants the community to know that long-term success depends on continued support from the community.

“The community should know that service has remained uninterrupted despite staffing challenges, thanks to firefighters stepping up, working overtime, and flexible scheduling,” Baker said. “Recruitment remains competitive statewide, but interest in Alpena Township is strong.

“Future staffing improvements will depend on budget decisions and community priorities,” Baker added. “The department remains committed to transparency, safety, and providing the level of service residents expect.”

The Alpena Township Board of Trustees will conduct its monthly meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. One of the items that will be discussed under old business is the possibility of a special assessment to help fund the department or a millage that would have to be voted on and approved by township residents.