MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)-The Myrtle Beach fire department just had twenty people graduate fire school and fill several open positions. Even with all the new hires, the department still needs more firemen.
Ian Maxwell, the battalion chief said a few years ago that is was difficult to get on with any fire department. Now, his fire department is having a hard time not only finding people but getting them to stay long-term.
The department just came up with a new mission statement it hopes will change that. The new statement is called “earn it”. It’s an acronym for Elite Accountable Respectful Noble Integrity and Trust.
Along with the new statement, the department also released a new video. Leaders hope the video will be attention grabbing and draw in the right kind of candidates who are committed to the badge and the profession. Firefighters with the department right now are either retiring, leaving for other jobs or some are out with injuries.
Battalion chief Ian Maxwell says this is creating more work for everyone else.
“Well we have a certain amount of people who have to be at work every day. If we lose people then people who think they’re going home in the morning may have to stay additional hours so if it taxes the individuals who are working, financially it is taxing to the organization and it means we have to train a new individual to come and replace the person who left who we obviously spent money on to train.”
Chief Maxwell said they advertise nationwide on various platforms to try to reach as many people as possible. He said there will probably be a new recruiting class by the fall.
