Conway, Arkansas – Concerns over staffing and pay within the Conway Fire Department have surfaced in recent days, prompting both firefighters and city officials to address the issue publicly. The discussion began over the weekend after a post by Conway firefighters Local 4016 on Facebook claimed that the department is currently understaffed, sparking conversations about public safety and employee retention.
According to national standards, the National Fire Protection Association recommends four firefighters per truck to ensure efficiency and safety. However, Conway’s fire trucks are typically staffed by just two or three personnel. “When firefighters take off, we’re forced to move some of our units down to a two-man company,” a city official said, highlighting the strain on the department when absences occur.
Currently, the Conway Fire Department operates 10 front-line units, five of which are staffed full-time by three firefighters. The remaining five units are also staffed by three personnel under normal circumstances, but any absences can reduce the staffing below the recommended level. This staffing model, officials say, requires flexibility and careful management to maintain response times and operational readiness.
Chief Mike Winter acknowledged that pay remains a pressing issue. “The mayor and council have recognized that the pay for the Conway firefighters is not competitive with surrounding departments,” he said. The disparity in salaries between Conway and neighboring cities has been a point of concern for local firefighters, many of whom are considering opportunities elsewhere.
Firefighter Charlie Bates explained the impact of these pay differences, saying, “You want to be a firefighter, and you look at other cities, like North Little Rock, or even Benton and some of these others, and you’re like, ‘Oh, by year four, I can make $84,000 versus $64,000— which one would you do?’” Bates’ comments reflect the broader challenge of retaining skilled personnel in the face of competitive wages elsewhere.
Despite these concerns, city officials are adamant that the safety of Conway residents is not at risk. Public Information Officer Bobby Kelly III reassured the community, stating, “Don’t want, I don’t want the citizens of Conway, to feel like their safety is in jeopardy, because we do respond, and we will respond to their call for help. We adequately respond to fires.” City leadership emphasizes that all emergency calls are handled promptly, even when staffing levels fluctuate.
Chief Winter said the city is actively working on strategies to address staffing shortages and retain employees, with strong support from the mayor. However, he cautioned that financial limitations restrict how quickly the department can implement changes. The city is exploring options to improve compensation and make positions more competitive, but immediate solutions remain challenging.
For now, Conway firefighters continue to serve the community under these constraints, balancing limited personnel with the demands of emergency response. Both officials and department leadership stress the importance of maintaining transparency with the public while working toward long-term solutions. The dialogue between city leaders and firefighters is ongoing, reflecting a shared commitment to both employee welfare and the safety of Conway residents.
As Conway navigates these staffing and pay challenges, city officials encourage residents to remain confident in the fire department’s ability to respond effectively, even amid the ongoing discussions about funding and workforce stability.
