Wolfforth Invests in First Responders to Support Growth and Competitiveness
April 8, 2026
The City of Wolfforth continues to take proactive steps to strengthen its foundation for growth, with City Council approving a transition to a 48/96 work schedule for Wolfforth Fire & EMS.
While operational in nature, this decision represents a strategic investment in one of the most critical components of economic development: a strong, stable, and high-performing workforce.
Supporting the Workforce Behind Public Safety
As Wolfforth grows, so does the demand for high-quality emergency services. Ensuring that first responders are well-supported, well-rested, and able to perform at their highest level is essential—not only for public safety, but for the overall attractiveness of the community to residents, businesses, and investors.
The 48/96 schedule, 48 hours on duty followed by 96 hours off, is widely recognized across the industry as a best practice for improving recruitment, retention, and employee well-being. Departments across the country have adopted this model to remain competitive in attracting top-tier talent.
“This change allows us to better serve the citizens of Wolfforth while also taking care of the men and women who serve this community every day,” said Fire Chief Lance Barrett. “The 48/96 schedule gives our crews the time they need to train, recover, and perform at their best, while also improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations.”
A Competitive Advantage for Growing Communities
For communities like Wolfforth, the ability to recruit and retain skilled public safety professionals is a key differentiator. The transition to a 48/96 schedule positions the city alongside forward-thinking departments nationwide and expands its reach to a broader talent pool.
By reducing commute frequency and improving work-life balance, the schedule makes Wolfforth more attractive to experienced firefighters who may live outside the immediate area but are seeking a high-quality department and community to serve.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency Without Increasing Costs
Importantly, this transition is budget-neutral, meaning it does not require additional staffing or increased personnel costs.
At the same time, the schedule creates measurable efficiencies:
- Fewer shift changes, improving continuity of service
- Increased productivity on training and department initiatives
- Reduced overtime and sick leave usage
- Greater alignment among leadership and staff
These efficiencies allow the department to operate more effectively while maintaining fiscal responsibility, an important factor for both taxpayers and prospective businesses evaluating the community.
Strengthening the Foundation for Future Growth
Reliable, well-managed public safety services are a cornerstone of economic development. Businesses considering relocation or expansion consistently evaluate a community’s ability to provide dependable emergency response, maintain infrastructure, and support a growing population.
By implementing forward-thinking policies like the 48/96 schedule, Wolfforth is reinforcing its commitment to:
- High-quality municipal services
- Workforce investment and retention
- Long-term operational sustainability
As the community continues to grow, decisions like this ensure Wolfforth remains well-positioned to meet future demand while maintaining the high standard of service residents and businesses expect.