FLAGLER BEACH — Despite already counting on assistance from Flagler Fire and Rescue crews, the Flagler Beach Fire Department still needs more help amid staff shortages.
That’s why the department reached out for additional help from neighboring Palm Coast. Both cities’ governing bodies have a proposed interlocal agreement in hand, which could make it possible for Palm Coast firefighters to help fill shortages in Flagler Beach over the next four weeks.
“When we need nine, we have five running,” said Acting Fire Chief Jennifer Fiveash during the City Commission’s May 28 meeting. “So they are working 48 hours on, 24 off, which is the opposite of what is supposed to be happening.”
The agreement, which would cost Flagler Beach $54,000, must be approved by both the Flagler Beach City Commission and the Palm Coast City Council.
Flagler Beach’s board has set a special meeting for 5 p.m. June 1 to consider the agreement, while Palm Coast’s city council will make its decision during its regular meeting at 6 p.m. June 2.
Why is Flagler Beach asking for help from Palm Coast firefighters?
The situation began more than a month ago, when several Flagler Beach Fire Department members resigned, some later citing a “loss of confidence” in then-Fire Chief Stephen Cox.
The problem grew worse when City Manager Dale Martin fired Cox in the wake of those resignations, as well as citing a staff letter claiming the former chief contributed to a “hostile work environment” and criticizing “deficiencies in leadership.”
Among the recent resignations are Lt. Trey Poeira, who was with the department for seven years, and Fire Inspector Bruce Adams, who have joined Flagler County Fire Rescue and the Osceola County Fire Rescue, respectively.
There are currently four positions open for the fire department, according to Martin.
With only five firefighters on staff, county crews have been able to provide coverage when needed, “but we have been struggling to get them to fill shifts, which have continued to burden our crews right now.
Fiveash emphasized, however, that the agreement with the county is a verbal one.
“So to reduce some of that burden, and to not take down staffing so that the community is still being served … I would like a formal plan put in place,” Fiveash told commissioners. “That way we are not going day by day.”
Fiveash and Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill (who is currently serving as interim city manager in the neighboring city) have been working out the agreement for the last few weeks, she said.
When will Flagler Beach fire department go back to full staff?
Fiveash said the agreement, if approved, will provide relief to the city’s fire department “while I work with our team getting us back to full staff.”
Seven applicants were scheduled to be interviewed for the four job openings on May 29, she said.
“I’m very hopeful we’ll be able to fill several positions,” Fiveash said. “Our application postings are staying open until all the positions are filled.”
While Fiveash is filling in temporarily as fire chief, the four other openings are fire lieutenant, deputy fire chief, fire driver/engineer and firefighter.
There is no date set for Palm Coast firefighters to start helping Flagler Beach’s fire department. Both cities’ boards are expected to establish those dates when and if the agreement is approved.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Understaffed Flagler Beach Fire seeks Palm Coast’s help for a fee
Reporting by Brenno Carillo, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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