During a recent government meeting on August 9, 2025, the Anchorage Municipality focused on the confirmation hearing for Annmarie Billingsley as the Chief Human Resources Officer. A key topic of discussion was the ongoing challenges within the fire service, particularly regarding staffing and scheduling practices.

Participants highlighted the need for adherence to best practices, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) staffing levels, which recommend four personnel per fire apparatus. Additionally, the conversation touched on the emerging practice of implementing 42-hour shifts to improve work-life balance for firefighters. However, concerns were raised about the complexities of current scheduling systems, which often do not align with standard work hours, leading to inequities in benefits like holiday pay and leave.

Billingsley emphasized the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including the fire chief and labor representatives, to address these issues. A memorandum of understanding was signed in July to form a labor relations action group aimed at tackling these scheduling challenges. This initiative is expected to be a multi-year project, requiring careful planning and input from human resources and budget management.

The meeting also addressed the broader role of the HR department once it stabilizes from its current crisis management phase. Billingsley expressed enthusiasm for future projects, including the digitization of personnel records and addressing pay disparities. However, she acknowledged that progress would be slow due to existing vacancies within the department.

As the Anchorage Municipality continues to navigate these complex issues, the focus remains on improving the working conditions for firefighters and enhancing the overall efficiency of the HR department. The outcomes of these discussions will be crucial for the future of public safety and employee satisfaction in the community.