Rover Positions in the Tacoma Fire Department: FAQ

11/14/2024, 2 PM

Q: When were rover positions created and why?

A: Roving positions have been used by Tacoma Fire Department for decades to provide staffing when vacancies exist. The rover positions in the Tacoma Fire Department that were added in 2024 expanded the use of the program by 16 FTEs as a direct response to increased unplanned leave usage by firefighters. This increase was due to several factors: 

• Increased sick leave and other leave: Firefighters, like many other City employees, were experiencing more frequent need for sick leave and other types of leave such as On-the-Job Injury and Family and Medical Leave.

• Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): Washington state's PFML program, which began in 2021, allowed firefighters to take extended leave for family and medical reasons.

These factors combined meant that firefighters were unavailable for work more often. To ensure that fire engines remained fully staffed, Council approved funding to enable the department to add additional rover positions. These firefighters did not have assigned seats on a specific apparatus but, instead, filled in for those who were on leave. This reduced the need for overtime and helped maintain service levels. 

Q: Why are rover positions being proposed for elimination?

A: The expansion of the rover program was a temporary solution using EMS funding. It was hoped that the General Fund could be adjusted to accommodate the increased staffing needs, but that did not happen. With the current structural budgetary deficit that the City is facing, the department is proposing to eliminate the 16 rover positions to meet its budget reduction target. Eliminating these positions is consistent with the one-time use of EMS funding. 

Q: Will the rover firefighters be laid off?

A: No. The rover firefighters will be reassigned to other positions within the department. There are no planned commissioned layoffs. 

Q: How are staffing levels determined at the Tacoma Fire Department?

A: Staffing levels are based on the number of firefighters needed to fully staff each response unit and cover for leave time. Currently, due to increased leave usage – especially unplanned leave, each engine requires approximately four additional firefighters to cover absences. The department has a staffing chief who manages daily staffing needs and a team that works to fill vacancies strategically. They use data to anticipate peak call times and adjust staffing accordingly. 

Q: How will the Tacoma Fire Department maintain service levels without rovers?

A: The department will implement several strategies: 

• Strategic Staffing: The department will carefully manage daily staffing to minimize overtime needs and potential service reductions.

• Overtime Management: Overtime will be used when necessary, but the department will work to stay within its overtime budget. Use of the EMS fund, a separate fund that supports emergency medical services, can be used to cover some overtime costs related to EMS response units, which may help alleviate pressure on the General Fund.

• Alternative Response Models: The department is exploring new ways to respond to calls, particularly for the busiest engines, to reduce workload and overtime needs.

Q: Is it safe to eliminate rover positions?

A: The Tacoma Fire Department is committed to maintaining service levels and minimizing any impact on public safety. The Fire Chief has assured the City Manager and City Council that any service reductions will be tactical and planned to minimize community impacts.  
 

Q: What are the risks of eliminating rover positions?

A: The main risks are:

• Potential increase in response times.

• Increased stress on existing firefighters due to potential mandatory overtime.

Q: Will response times increase?

A: The goal is to maintain current response times. However, there may be times when response times are slightly longer due to staffing and call volume challenges. 

Q: How will the Tacoma Fire Department mitigate these risks?

A: The department will: 

• Closely monitor overtime use and service levels.

• Communicate with the City Manager about any concerns.

• Return with the City Manager to the City Council if adjustments are needed.

• Prioritize firefighter mental health and well-being through wellness programs and support services.

Q: Why not just close a fire station instead?

A: Closing a fire station would result in a permanent reduction in service to a specific area. Eliminating rover positions allows the Tacoma Fire Department to continue its efforts to maintain service levels across the city while working to find alternative solutions. 
 

Q: What happens if these strategies don't work?

A: The Fire Chief will inform the City Manager, and they will come back to the City Council to discuss options. 
 

Q: What is the City doing to address the long-term needs of the Tacoma Fire Department?

A: The City and TFD will need to re-examine how to address the funding gap left by the failed fire levy and discuss long-term solutions to support the department's staffing and equipment needs. 

Q: What can the community do to support the Tacoma Fire Department?

A: The community can: 

• Stay informed about the department's budget and challenges.

• Advocate for increased funding for the department.

• Support future fire levies.

Q: Has the Tacoma Fire Department’s budget been cut?

A: It has not been cut. Visit this link for more information, go to the "Detail by Department" tab, and select "Fire" under "Select Department".  

Q: Where can I find more information about the City's proposed biennial budget?

A: You can visit cityoftacoma.org/budgetdevelopment. 

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