JEFFERSON COUNTY--The Jefferson County Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 5351 says Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency (JCESA) is facing a hiring freeze and the potential for “brown-outs” of fire and EMS units due to county budget restrictions.

In a statement released this week, the union said Jefferson County Administration has blocked the agency from filling open positions, citing budgetary concerns. According to the union, the move could reduce daily staffing levels, delay response times for medical emergencies and fire incidents and prevent the hiring of two open positions, one EMT and one advanced life support provider, which effectively takes at least one ambulance out of daily service. The union added that three positions previously approved for fiscal year 2025, includi

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