West Texas’ oil boom is bringing prosperity to many organizations throughout the region, but for Odessa Fire Rescue, it’s turning up the heat.
Staffing Odessa Fire Rescue has been a struggle since oil took over the city.
To make up the difference, firefighters are burning the candle at both ends.
First responders answer the call of duty every day to save Odessans who need their help.
But now it’s the department itself who needs a lifeline.
“Right now, we’re suffering like everybody else with hiring people,” Captain Marc Brown said.
Brown explained not long after the recent oil boom erupted,Odessa Fire Rescue lost three firefighters.
Ten years later, that gap in the department has only widened.
Now the department is short nine first responders.
So few, OFR doesn’t even have the minimum number of staff members they need.
To make up for it, overtime is now mandatory.