During a recent City Council hearing focused on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD), significant discussions emerged regarding workforce challenges and community engagement.

One of the key topics was the alarming overtime pay of a BCFD paramedic, who became the city's highest-paid employee last fiscal year, earning $358,586, with 68% of that amount attributed to overtime. Council members expressed concern over the implications of such high overtime hours, particularly regarding employee burnout and retention. The paramedic reportedly averaged 281 hours of overtime per month, raising questions about the sustainability of such workloads and the potential impact on service quality.

Council members emphasized the importance of ensuring that first responders are not only compensated fairly but also supported in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The discussions highlighted a broader concern about the working conditions within the fire department and the need for better management of overtime hours. The chief of the BCFD acknowledged the challenges in controlling overtime, noting that while there are limits on consecutive working hours, there are no strict caps on total hours worked, which can lead to excessive overtime.

In addition to workforce issues, the council also discussed potential partnerships with the local school system to enhance community representation in emergency services. A council member expressed a desire to see more individuals from diverse backgrounds in high positions within the department, emphasizing the importance of role models for youth in the community.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to explore apprenticeship opportunities through the state’s apprenticeship system, which could provide additional resources for training and recruitment in emergency services. This initiative aims to foster a more diverse and well-supported workforce, ultimately benefiting the community at large.

As the City Council continues to address these pressing issues, the focus remains on ensuring that the BCFD can effectively serve the community while also prioritizing the well-being of its personnel. The discussions from this hearing reflect a growing recognition of the need for systemic changes to support both the workforce and the residents of Baltimore.