Fairfield Township Professional Firefighters Local 5276

07/15/2026

A Message from IAFF Local 5276

We want to sincerely thank the citizens of Fairfield Township for making your voices heard. Your support, engagement, and commitment to protecting our community played an important role throughout this process.

We also want to thank the Fairfield Township Administration for its willingness to meet with Union leadership and work collaboratively toward a solution. Through productive discussions, IAFF Local 5276 and the Township have adopted a Memorandum of Understanding that helps reduce overtime expenses while restoring minimum daily staffing from nine (9) to eleven (11) personnel, helping maintain the level of emergency response our community deserves.

This is a great example of what can be accomplished when everyone comes to the table with a shared goal of serving our community.

IAFF Local 5276 remains committed to advocating for the most efficient and safest possible staffing for our firefighters, paramedics, and the residents of Fairfield Township.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

06/24/2026

Fairfield Township Administration has announced a reduction in the minimum daily fire department staffing from 11 to 9 firefighters to reduce overtime costs.

What does this mean for our community?

Under this proposed staffing reduction, Station 211 on Morris Road will operate with only three firefighters, significantly limiting operational capabilities and reducing the resources available to protect residents when they need help most.

In May, Fairfield Township residents approved a fire levy with the understanding that it would help maintain the level of service the community has come to expect and meet the growing demands placed on the fire department. Despite that public support and investment, minimum daily staffing has now been reduced.

If voters approved funding for fire services, why is staffing now being reduced?

This decision increases strain on remaining firefighters and diminishes the department’s ability to deliver the level of emergency response our residents expect and deserve.

We strongly urge township leadership to restore staffing levels and prioritize the safety of both the community and the firefighters who serve it.

We encourage residents to stay informed and hold those accountable for decisions that directly affect emergency services in Fairfield Township.

05/25/2026

04/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17aCV3N46K/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Did you know.....

Our calls for service have increased 123% since 2008, 1,791 in 2008 to 3,996 in 2025.

Our operating costs have increased 131% since 2008, from $2,809,300 in 2008 to $6,600,000 in 2025.

Dedicated revenue for the Fire Department comes from a 2008 Fire Levy, 1/2 of the 2016 Safety Services Levy and EMS Billing, the 3 combined generate approximately $4,000,000 dollars. The remainder of our operating costs are paid for out of the general fund and JEDD’s.

Inflation has increased approximately 52% since 2008.

Operating and equipment costs have risen dramatically while our dedicated revenue stream for services has remained flat.

Daily staffing went from 8 personnel in 2008 to 11 personnel in 2025, a modest increase in 18 years.

However the makeup of that staffing has changed dramatically, from 100% part time staff in 2008 to 70% career staffing today.

03/20/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16vLhHMwud/?mibextid=wwXIfr

03/16/2026

With May 5th fast approaching, we want to ensure the public knows the Facts about the upcoming Fire Levy.

The May 5th Fire Levy is a 4.49 mill levy, estimated to generate $3,693,427 annually. Costing each home owner the following amount per $100,000, $157 per year, $13.08 per month, $3.02 per week and $0.43 per day.

This Fire Levy will allow us to maintain todays level of service, keeping both firehouses staffed and open, avoiding layoffs and allowing us to backfill 3 unfilled fulltime positions.

This Levy does not provide an increase in services or staffing.

03/15/2026

Don’t wait until the day of the storm to begin protecting yourself. If the forecast calls for severe weather, begin preparing NOW. Stay