During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing staffing challenges and the hiring of new personnel to address these issues. Currently, two staff members are undergoing orientation, three are in the hiring process, and two new hires are expected to join the team soon. One of the new hires will be a full-time medic transitioning from Henry County, while the other will work part-time or on a PRN basis, primarily covering weekday shifts.

The staffing situation remains critical, with the team expressing a need for at least two additional full-time medics to adequately cover operational demands. The meeting highlighted the strain on current staff, with one member reporting a grueling 72-hour shift over the weekend.

In addition to staffing updates, the meeting addressed the upcoming installation of a security system by PerMar, scheduled for October 21-23. This system aims to enhance security measures within the building, with officials optimistic about its implementation timeline.

The meeting also included discussions on hiring new paramedics, with two candidates, Allison Bury and Robert Collier, receiving approval for their positions, set to start on October 10 and October 18, respectively. Bury will begin at a rate of $25 per hour, while Collier will start at $26 per hour.

Furthermore, the group considered the hiring of JC Jones as a correctional officer, who comes with prior experience and certification. Her addition is seen as a positive step in addressing ongoing staffing needs within the department.

Lastly, the meeting touched on the opioid settlement fund process, with officials advocating for a more structured approach to resource allocation. There is a focus on understanding community needs before disbursing funds, particularly concerning homelessness and transitional housing initiatives.

Overall, the meeting underscored the persistent staffing challenges faced by the department, the proactive steps being taken to address these issues, and the ongoing commitment to enhancing community safety and support services.