Common Council Gives “OK” For Hiring of Two Additional Firefighters Due to Anticipated Retirements

With the anticipation of two future retirements within the City of Cortland Fire Department, the Common Council has authorized the hiring of two additional firefighters for the City of Cortland Fire Department. According to the city, the anticipated retirements will occur before July 1st, 2026.

The over-hiring of two new firefighters now will allow them to undergo training without the department becoming short staffed due to retirement. The recruit firefighter training academy begins on February 9th at the New York State Academy of Fire Science. The training for the two new firefighters will be completed prior to the two retirements.

According to the city, the 2026 budget personnel line projections show the fire department can absorb the salary of the over-hire. Mayor Scott Steve highlighted the importance of this process to ensure the city is adequately covered and firefighters are subjected to excessive overtime and longer shifts due to staffing levels.