Cisco Fire Department Struggles with Staffing Shortages and Rising Costs

The Cisco Fire Department in Texas is struggling to cope with staffing and funding challenges. According to Chief Walter Fairbanks, it's not just a local issue but a nationwide problem.

Cisco Fire relies heavily on volunteers, but finding enough people to answer the call has become increasingly difficult due to busy lives and the risks associated with volunteering.

When there aren't enough firefighters available, it can quickly affect the outcome of an emergency. The department also responds outside city limits, accounting for about 60% of its calls within Cisco and the rest from unincorporated areas of Eastland County.

The county contributes $30,000 a year to Cisco Fire, which accounts for approximately 3.4% of the department's total budget. However, this funding mainly goes toward truck maintenance and lasts only about two months.