Massillon council OKs overtime request for Fire Department amid staff absences

MASSILLON – The Fire Department is navigating an overtime issue due to a number of firefighters out for personal reasons.

Chief Matt Heck told City Council this week that six to nine firefighters have been absent recently because of sick leave or injury time off, prompting him to ask for an overtime total of $210,000.

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"We've not had this many people off at any (given) time," the chief said. "It's kind of hit us hard this year."

Council members granted the chief's overtime request by a 9-0 vote Monday. Some firefighters who've been absent are in the process of returning to duty, Heck said.

Overall the department has 56 firefighters on staff, and 51 of them are assigned to a shift, said Heck, adding that two firefighters are moving on at the end of July.

One firefighter is leaving for a business opportunity and another due to a medical reason, the chief said.

"We haven't had anyone leave in a year-and-a-half or so," Heck said. "Hopefully this will be a quick process to replace them."

City Councilman Ed Lewis IV, R-at large, called on Heck to speak Monday about the overtime request. Lewis said a second overtime proposal could be brought forth later this year for the Fire Department if necessary.

"We're fully staffed, but just has some injuries and people out," Lewis said.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On X: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon City Council grants overtime request for Fire Department