The Bloomington Fire Department says the added day off between shifts has attracted more applicants, including a growing number of EMT-certified recruits

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Bloomington Fire Department has experienced a surge in recruitment since adjusting its shift schedule last year. Firefighters used to work 24 hours on and 48 hours off, and now work 24 hours on followed by 72 hours off, adding an extra day off between shifts.

The shift change has boosted interest in the department and led to more recruits, WMBD reported. Officials said many applicants are EMT-certified, though EMT certification is no longer required after the department changed the policy amid low recruitment numbers in 2024.

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WGKT reported in October 2025 that the shift change was included in a new contract approved by the city council. The agreement also provides a 5% equity pay increase retroactive to May 1, a 4% across-the-board raise in May 2026, and a 3.5% increase in May 2027.

Fire Chief Cory Matheny said the increase in recruitment will help the department fill positions as 25 to 30 firefighters near the retirement threshold.

The number of EMT-certified recruits has also doubled over the past few years, according to WMBD.

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