The Milford Fire Department is currently experiencing a significant staffing crisis following the departure of its only two full-time employees. As of September 2023, the department has relied solely on per-diem staff, who are not consistently present at the station to respond to emergency calls. This staffing shortage has raised concerns among residents regarding the department’s ability to effectively manage emergencies.
The situation escalated when both the fire captain and Fire Chief Zachary Carlow resigned in September. Carlow accepted a per-diem position as the acting chief until a new chief is appointed. Since then, he has been managing the station largely on his own, often working for extended hours due to the lack of personnel. During a recent selectboard meeting, Carlow highlighted the challenges the department faces, stating that recruitment, training, and retention have long troubled rural fire departments across Maine.
Milford’s response capacity has been hindered due to a combination of volunteer and part-time positions. According to Carlow, the department operates below its minimum staffing level of two employees approximately once a week. When this occurs, the department can only respond to medical emergencies, limiting its ability to tackle fire incidents.
The variability in staffing levels has also impacted the number of firefighters available to respond to calls. Carlow noted that the average turnout ranges from five to seven members, but this fluctuates based on the availability of per-diem responders. The situation has led to increasing public anxiety about whether the fire department can adequately cover emergencies within the town.
During the selectboard meeting, Carlow addressed rumors about the department’s inability to respond to its own calls. He acknowledged some truth to these concerns but emphasized the complexity of the issue. To assist during this period, Old Town Fire Rescue has stepped in to help with calls, reflecting the collaborative efforts between neighboring departments.
Despite receiving applications to fill shifts, Carlow pointed out that not all applicants are suitable, which creates gaps in the schedule. He explained that many responders view these roles as part-time opportunities, often alongside other jobs.
Milford Selectman Nick Higgins raised questions about how the department’s staffing situation became so precarious, considering the interest from potential candidates. Carlow attributed part of the issue to the department’s previous pay rates, which were lower than those offered by neighboring fire services. Recently, the town approved a pay increase for these positions, a change Carlow believes will significantly improve recruitment and retention efforts.
Looking ahead, Carlow announced that job postings for both a full-time fire chief and a full-time firefighter-paramedic will be advertised next week. He underscored the importance of establishing full-time coverage for the community, especially given the frequency of calls the department receives.
“The moral of the story is this situation has proved the need to have full-time coverage with an ambulance service that runs as many calls as we do. Fortunately, it seems the town is also in agreement,” Carlow concluded.
As the Milford Fire Department works to overcome these staffing challenges, the focus will remain on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the community it serves.
