Opinion: It’s Time to Make Fire Department Staffing a Real Priority in Annapolis -Joe Pilat, President, Annapolis Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1926

Public safety is often a campaign buzzword or a feel-good phrase dropped in political speeches and city newsletters. But when you strip away the talking points, Annapolis must ask itself: Are we truly prioritizing public safety in a way that reflects our values and our responsibilities? For Local 1926, the answer is clear—our fire department continues to be overlooked, underfunded and under-supported, despite consistently stepping up to do more with less.

We’re not asking for luxury—we’re asking for staffing that meets minimum national standards. The International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Fire Protection Association, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration all have staffing guidelines rooted in safety, science, and performance. Right now, the Annapolis Fire Department falls short of these standards. That isn’t just a number on a report; that’s a risk to firefighters on the ground, and a gamble with the lives of our residents and visitors.

Local 1926 has proposed a fiscally responsible way forward: phase in the necessary staffing over time. We understand the city’s budget is a balancing act—but so is running into a burning building with a crew that’s too small to safely do the job. We’re not asking for a blank check. We’re asking for a multi-year plan, one with measurable progress, achievable benchmarks, and—most importantly—buy-in from the mayor, city manager, city council, and the Public Safety Committee. When everyone is aligned, when public safety is treated as more than a political talking point, we can make real, sustainable progress.

And let’s be honest—it’s time to stop treating public safety like it only wears blue. Our police department deserves every ounce of support it receives. But so does our fire department. Firefighters aren’t asking to be more important—we’re asking to be equally important. Public safety is not just law enforcement. It’s the firefighter who performs CPR while waiting for the paramedics. It’s the marine division that pulls a child from the harbor. It’s the engine company that shows up when your kitchen’s on fire at 2 a.m. It’s the hazmat techs, the rescue swimmers, the EMTs, the paramedics, the firefighters—and yes, all of that exists within one department in Annapolis.

For years, the Annapolis Fire Department has “made it work.” We’ve filled roles that should be handled by other departments or private vendors. We’ve done the jobs no one sees, not because we’re told to—but because we care. The pride we take in our work has saved the City of Annapolis hundreds of thousands of dollars year after year. That’s not in any budget report, and no consultant can put a price on it. We do it because we believe in serving this city. Now, we’re asking the city to believe in us.

We’re also asking the city to stop calling basic maintenance and survival procurements “budget enhancements.” Replacing aged ambulances, maintaining fire apparatus, and restocking essential protective equipment isn’t an enhancement—it’s survival. It’s the bare minimum we need to continue responding when the bell rings.

If Annapolis truly values its fire department, then the time has come to show it—not just in words, but in the budget, in policy, and in action. Build a plan. Phase in the staffing. And give us the tools and personnel we need to meet minimum standards—not tomorrow, not when it’s convenient—but with purpose and commitment.

Do it for our safety. Do it for your safety. Do it because making it work is no longer good enough.

Joe Pilat

President

Annapolis Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1926