Bryan Fire Department testing 48/96 schedule to improve recruitment, retention

The schedule change comes after months of discussion about the department’s ability to attract and keep certified firefighters in an increasingly competitive market.

Put in perspective

During a January workshop covered by Community Impact, it was revealed that 23 firefighters left Bryan Fire Department between 2020 and 2025 to join agencies operating under a 48/96 schedule. These departures represent roughly $1.3 million in training investment and a combined 35 years of experience, as of 2025 measures.

“We’re hiring them off the street, we’re spending our time, money and resources, we’re getting fully certified, and then they’re going somewhere else, and the schedule seems to be one of the key deciding factors for that reason,” Lt. Walter Noel told council members in January.

Department data presented at the workshop showed only one fully certified firefighter or paramedic was hired out of 89 total hires since January 2020, creating longer training timelines and higher costs for the city.

How it works

According to a June 24 news release from the city of Bryan, the pilot program is designed to improve work-life balance while maintaining emergency response capabilities.

Mayor Bobby Gutierrez said the change is intended to support firefighters while helping the city remain competitive when recruiting and retaining employees.

“By investing in their well-being, we strengthen our ability to recruit and retain great firefighters while continuing to provide the exceptional service our residents expect,” Gutierrez said in a statement.

Fire Chief Richard Giusti said the additional recovery time could help reduce burnout and improve overall wellness.

“This schedule is about taking care of our people so they can continue taking care of our community,” he said in the news release.

Throughout the pilot, the city will monitor emergency response capabilities, service delivery, recruitment and retention trends, employee morale, and firefighter health and wellness. The results will help determine whether the schedule becomes permanent.

The local impact

Nearby agencies including College Station Fire Department, South Brazos County Volunteer Fire Department, Brenham Fire Department and several Montgomery County-area departments already operate under a 48/96 schedule.

College Station firefighters began working a 48/96 schedule in November 2024.

When the proposal was first discussed, Noel told city leaders Bryan was the only department within roughly an hour’s drive still operating under the traditional 24/48 model.

Survey results presented to City Council earlier this year showed a majority of Bryan firefighters supported moving to the new schedule.

What happens next?

The pilot program will begin Oct. 12 and will include ongoing evaluations by city leadership and the fire department.

The city has not announced how long the pilot will run before a final decision is made on whether to permanently adopt the schedule.

This schedule change follows the council’s earlier direction that any transition should include performance reviews and measurable benchmarks to ensure service levels remain unchanged.