The Winston-Salem Fire Department (WSFD) provides fire protection to the city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The department has 343 employees covering three shifts and 4 battalions for an area of 133 square miles (340 km2). The department has 20 stations including 19 engines, 6 ladder trucks, and specialities trucks including air, brush, hazmat, and rescue. The history of the WSFD dates back to 1913 when the cities of Winston and Salem merged to form the city of Winston-Salem. The Salem Fire Department was originally formed in 1782 and had one of the first colonial water systems. In 1951, WSFD became the first integrated department in North Carolina and by 1967, the department was fully integrated. The department made national news on January 31, 2022, when the Weaver Fertilizer Plant caught fire. There was enough ammonium nitrate for this to be one of the worst explosions in U.S. history.
The 2.5 is due to the current issues with staffing, low morale thanks to administration, and the under paying of firefighters due to a poorly implemented career ladder. Don’t get me wrong, the boots on the ground are some of the finest man and women in the state. Unfortunately, with the potential cutting of our benefits in half is causing some good ones to leave. Our current chief is on his way out since he was about to get the department an ISO rating so the upcoming changes in benefits and policies won’t affect him. One would say not his problem anymore. Once city council votes on the possible changes, I will change my review. Until then be aggressive and make grabs!
Administration was out for themselves when I worked there. Priority was meeting the city managers performance indicators versus what the citizens needed or what was best for the organization. “Motivation through intimidation” was rampant my entire tenure from administration.
Work environment depended on crews. Could be awesome, could be garbage. Very easy to hide there.
Resources and equipment were a mixed bag when I left, but from what I see now it has improved.
Staffing was bare minimum when I left with mandatory OT forthcoming. Unsure on what that is now. Schedule was phenomenal if you can tolerate 24s still.
Rating Breakdown
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2/5
2 Reviews on “Winston Salem Fire Department”
The 2.5 is due to the current issues with staffing, low morale thanks to administration, and the under paying of firefighters due to a poorly implemented career ladder. Don’t get me wrong, the boots on the ground are some of the finest man and women in the state. Unfortunately, with the potential cutting of our benefits in half is causing some good ones to leave. Our current chief is on his way out since he was about to get the department an ISO rating so the upcoming changes in benefits and policies won’t affect him. One would say not his problem anymore. Once city council votes on the possible changes, I will change my review. Until then be aggressive and make grabs!
Administration was out for themselves when I worked there. Priority was meeting the city managers performance indicators versus what the citizens needed or what was best for the organization. “Motivation through intimidation” was rampant my entire tenure from administration.
Work environment depended on crews. Could be awesome, could be garbage. Very easy to hide there.
Resources and equipment were a mixed bag when I left, but from what I see now it has improved.
Staffing was bare minimum when I left with mandatory OT forthcoming. Unsure on what that is now. Schedule was phenomenal if you can tolerate 24s still.