Salisbury Fire Chief Addresses Department Staffing Shortage, Ladder Truck Out of Service

Fire Chief Bob Parnell justifies decision to take Ladder 3 out of service due to lack of personnel

Mar. 6, 2026 at 5:05am

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During a Salisbury City Council meeting, Fire Chief Bob Parnell addressed the department's staffing shortage that led to the decision to take Ladder 3 out of service on February 13. Parnell explained the minimum staffing requirements for each shift and the challenges the department has faced, including 15 open positions and several firefighters on extended medical leave. The city manager and mayor expressed support for the fire department and commitment to working with the firefighters' union to find solutions.

Why it matters

The Salisbury Fire Department's staffing shortage and the temporary removal of a ladder truck from service raises concerns about the department's ability to respond to emergencies effectively and maintain the high level of service the community expects. The issue also highlights the ongoing tensions between the city administration and the firefighters' union.

The details

Parnell explained that Ladder 3 has been taken out of service five times in the past year due to short staffing. On February 13, the department was short one firefighter, and the decision was made to take Ladder 3 out of service rather than run it with unsafe staffing levels. The ladder truck was back in service by 8 or 9 pm that night. Parnell commended the firefighters for working extra shifts and overtime to help fill the staffing gaps.

  • Since April 2025, Ladder 3 has been put out of service five times due to short staffing.
  • On February 13, Ladder 3 was taken out of service for roughly half the day due to a staffing shortage.
  • By 8 or 9 pm on February 13, the staffing issue was resolved and Ladder 3 was put back into service.

The players

Bob Parnell

The fire chief of the Salisbury Fire Department, who has over 20 years of experience and has led the department to an ISO 1 rating, the highest possible.

Jim Greene

The Salisbury city manager, who called on Chief Parnell to address the issue directly at the city council meeting.

Tamara Sheffield

The mayor of Salisbury, who expressed support for the fire department and commitment to working with the firefighters' union.

Salisbury Professional Firefighters

The firefighters' union, which has been in an ongoing back-and-forth with the city administration over the staffing and equipment issues.

Gemale Black

A Salisbury city council member who encouraged Chief Parnell to listen to the complaints of the Professional Firefighters and work together to find solutions.

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What they’re saying

“We are challenged on a daily basis to get enough firefighters to get to 23, as I mentioned earlier. We are even running short on the day staff, the administrative staff at the fire department, to make sure we can get as many people as we can in the fire control numbers.”

— Bob Parnell, Fire Chief

“I want you to know that the fire department is chock full of dedicated firefighters. Because of those 15 positions I mentioned earlier, they are working extra shifts. They are working overtime days. They are trying to fill and keep firetrucks full. And for that, I say thank you, thank you, thank you.”

— Bob Parnell, Fire Chief

“I don't want a back and forth. It's not an us versus them. This is how we work together to figure out a solution to make sure that the fire department and any other city department have what they need.”

— Gemale Black, City Council Member

What’s next

The fire chief has requested an additional training class at the community college for new recruits in April to get them on the trucks faster. He is also requesting approval to overhire for two firefighters that are currently on military leave, which will fill their vacancies while still holding their jobs for their return and getting another firefighter trained and employed.

The takeaway

The Salisbury Fire Department's staffing shortage and the temporary removal of a ladder truck from service highlights the ongoing challenges facing the department in maintaining adequate personnel and equipment to effectively respond to emergencies. The city administration and firefighters' union must work together to find long-term solutions to ensure the community's safety and the well-being of the firefighters.