Rye residents raise concerns over fire department staffing numbers
According to council members, there are 22 career firefighters currently employed.
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The staffing of the Rye Fire Department was a topic of concern during Wednesday night’s city council meeting.
According to council members, there are 22 career firefighters currently employed.
"The fire department call volume has increased significantly over the past decade and the city's volunteer fire services, which has historically supplemented our career staffing, has declined," said Interim City Manager Brian Shea.
In an earlier draft of the 2026 annual budget proposal, there were no plans to add additional positions. However, at the Wednesday city council meeting, Interim City Manager Brian Shea said this has since been changed.
"The 2026 budget, if adopted as amended right now, will include the addition of one career firefighter," said Shea.
Residents who spoke with News 12 say that one additional firefighter isn't enough.
"I hate to, as they say, look a gift horse in the mouth, but one is not enough. One is better than nothing, right? But we cannot be one and done. We actually need four," said Rye resident Schuyler Johnson.
The 2026 budget was adopted, meaning one additional firefighter will be added.
Council members say they know that it isn't enough, but it's a step in the right direction.
News 12 reached out to the Rye Professional Firefighters Union for comment, but did not hear back.
