WFD now to provide constant fire protection coverage

The Whitesboro Fire Department (WFD) announced last weekend that it is now providing constant fire protection coverage (24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year) with full-time staffing supplemented by its volunteer members.

“This didn’t happen overnight,” said Public Safety Director Jeff Patterson. “It’s the result of years of planning, steady investment and a lot of hard work by our firefighters, leadership and city officials. Past department members, prior councils and our current city leadership all played a role in getting us to this point.”

This is a major step forward in enhancing public safety and ensuring the Whitesboro community and those of surrounding areas always have firefighters ready to respond—day or night, weekends and holidays.

“As Director of Public Safety, I’m extremely proud of what this means for our community. Providing 24/7 firefighter coverage allows us to deliver a more consistent level of care, improve response capabilities, and better protect both our residents and our responders,” Patterson said. “While this milestone adds full-time coverage, we still very much rely on our dedicated volunteer firefighters who continue to supplement our staffing and play a vital role in ensuring we have the personnel needed to serve our community. This is a significant step forward in how we serve.”

Along with this milestone, the WFD is also transitioning to a 48 hours on/96 hours off shift schedule. This change follows extensive research, review of national best practices and careful planning to support both operational readiness and firefighter wellness.

This change brings a variety of benefits to the community and its department. First, consistent coverage yields around-the-clock protection with staffed crews. It also means improved recovery. By extending off-duty time, firefighters can fully recharge, reducing cumulative fatigue and stress. It also builds stronger families. Four consecutive days at home provides more consistent family time, improved work-life balance and more robust weekends with loved ones.

Most importantly, the department’s commitment to the residents of Whitesboro remains unchanged. Citizens can expect the same high level of service, delivered by career and volunteer firefighters who are healthier, better rested and fully prepared to protect their community.