Lubbock Fire Rescue plans to add a fourth shift and 133 firefighters as it moves to a 24-on, 72-off schedule and recruits experienced firefighters through a new lateral program

LUBBOCK, Texas — Lubbock Fire Rescue is expanding hiring opportunities for experienced firefighters as the department prepares to add more than 100 positions over the next six years.

The expansion follows an agreement approved by the City Council that includes a change from the department’s current 24-on, 48-off schedule to a 24-on, 72-off schedule, KCBD reported.

| READ NEXT: Inside the move to a 24/72 D-shift schedule

To support the new schedule, the department will add a fourth shift across its 20 fire stations, requiring 133 additional firefighters. Public Information Officer Delgado said the agreement also creates a new lateral hiring process aimed at bringing experienced firefighters into the department.

The department plans to hire about 22 firefighters annually over the next six years. The new lateral hiring process will allow already certified and trained firefighters from other departments to transfer to Lubbock.

“They’ll still go through a short academy. Ultimately, probably about six weeks just for them to understand the way that Lubbock Fire Rescue operates,” Delgado said. “These are the platforms that we use for reporting, these are our protocols for medical calls, these are our procedures for large-scale incidents. That way they can understand the Lubbock Fire way of doing things.”

Lateral hires will complete six weeks of training before being assigned to shifts. The program will not change LFR’s existing hiring process for other applicants.

Applications for the lateral hiring program close Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.

Would a 24-on, 72-off schedule make your department more attractive to experienced firefighters? What impact has shift scheduling had on recruitment and retention at your department?

Minoa added 20 paid firefighters to bolster daytime coverage after its volunteer ranks fell from about 80 members to 30, with fewer than 20 regularly responding

September 17, 2026 08:02 AM

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers will study the cumulative effects of harmful exposures, workplace violence, injuries and psychological stress on firefighters and EMS providers

September 17, 2026 06:39 AM

 · 

Chesterfield Fire Company leaders allege Stephanie Kneier had ongoing disciplinary issues; Kneier says she was notified of her suspension after speaking publicly

September 17, 2026 07:11 AM

Eagle officials postponed a decision on a proposed fire training and public works facility after residents raised concerns about its location next to a popular bike park

September 17, 2026 07:47 AM

“When Disaster Strikes… What Happens Next?” will Guide First Responders and Emergency Managers Through the Disaster Declaration Process and the Fiscal Realities of Recovery