Plymouth Fire Department forms 'PFD Forward' committee to address staffing and funding challenges

Last week, Plymouth Fire Chief Steve Holm presented the final results of a comprehensive enFocus analysis to the Board of Public Works and Safety, marking the first step in a new initiative to address the department's operational and staffing needs.

The analysis, which was the culmination of a lengthy process, evaluated call data and operations across three entities: the City of Plymouth, Center Township, and West Township.

According to City Attorney Jeff Houin, the fire department is currently struggling with a declining number of volunteer firefighters and is looking to expand its full-time staff to meet the community's needs. However, securing the necessary funding remains a significant hurdle due to the rising costs of equipment, supplies, and essential safety gear.

In response to these challenges, Chief Holm announced the creation of a new strategic committee dubbed "PFD Forward." This group is tasked with reviewing the enFocus data to chart the future course of the department. The committee features a balanced mix of city leadership and fire personnel, including Mayor Listenberger, Ed Marquardt, Art Jacobs, Mike Humenez, Paul Mathewson, Jake Bockover, and Chief Holm. The group represents three full-time staff members, three volunteers, and the mayor.

Among its top priorities, the PFD Forward committee will evaluate the department's fee schedule and explore strategies to operate more efficiently by optimizing the use of full-time staff, part-time help, and volunteers. Chief Holm expressed that his ultimate goal is to increase the number of firefighters across the board to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

"These initial findings help to get us started," Mayor Listenberger stated regarding the analysis, "and now the hard work begins."