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NewsNBC 7 San Diego — Local NewsJune 29, 2026San Diego

Imperial Beach Fire Department faces 25% staffing shortage

The Imperial Beach Fire Department is currently operating with a 25% vacancy rate, struggling to recruit and retain staff as emergency call volumes have risen significantly over the last decade. The firefighters' union and city leadership cite pay disparities compared to neighboring agencies as a primary challenge in maintaining full staffing levels.

public safetyfire departmentlabor relationsstaffingmunicipal budget
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Why It Matters

Residents may experience changes in emergency response times and service levels due to the department's inability to fill three vacant positions, which currently forces existing staff to cover shifts through overtime.

Key Facts

  • The Imperial Beach Fire Department has a 25% vacancy rate.
  • The department is budgeted for 12 total positions.
  • Three positions (fire captain, fire engineer, and firefighter) have been vacant for up to one year.
  • Emergency call volume has increased from approximately 1,700 to 3,000 calls per year over the last decade.
  • 14 firefighters have left the department for other agencies over the past 10 years.
  • The union reports that recruits earn 33% less than the county median salary.
  • Three recent job offers were declined by candidates.
  • Two candidates are currently in the hiring process.
  • Fire academy training for new hires takes between 10 and 16 weeks.

Who's Mentioned

organizationImperial Beach Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 4692“The union representing the department's firefighters.”personJohn French“Fire Chief of Imperial Beach.”organizationImperial Beach Fire Department“The municipal fire agency experiencing staffing shortages.”personJohn Olsen“President of IAFF Local 4692.”