City of Bryan to Launch 48/96 Pilot Schedule for Bryan Fire Department

Beginning Oct. 12, the City of Bryan will launch a pilot 48/96 work schedule for the Bryan Fire Department, marking a significant investment in the health, wellness and long-term sustainability of the department’s workforce.

Under the schedule, firefighters will work 48 consecutive hours on duty followed by 96 hours off. The schedule has gained popularity among fire departments nationwide for its ability to improve work-life balance while maintaining emergency response capabilities.

“Every day, the men and women of the Bryan Fire Department show up ready to serve our community at a moment’s notice,” said Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez. “This pilot program is about supporting the people who keep Bryan safe. 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.”

“This schedule is about taking care of our people so they can continue taking care of our community,” Fire Chief Richard Giusti said. “The fire service is demanding, both physically and mentally. The additional recovery time provided by a 48/96 schedule can help improve overall wellness, reduce burnout and allow our firefighters to spend more quality time with their families while remaining ready to answer the call whenever duty demands.”

City leaders support the transition because of several anticipated benefits, including:

• Improved firefighter wellness through increased recovery time between shifts
• Enhanced recruitment and retention in an increasingly competitive public safety workforce
• Greater continuity among crews by reducing the number of shift exchanges throughout the month

Throughout the pilot program, the City of Bryan and the Bryan Fire Department will evaluate several key performance indicators, including emergency response capabilities, service delivery to residents, employee morale, recruitment and retention trends, and firefighter health and wellness. The findings will help guide future decisions regarding whether the schedule should become a permanent part of department operations.

The pilot program reflects the city's ongoing commitment to supporting first responders and ensuring the Bryan Fire Department remains a strong, resilient organization for years to come.