GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - A major change is coming to Greenville’s Fire/Rescue personnel, to sustain more retention, and ensure more rest and recovery for first responders after working 24-hour shifts.

On Thursday, the city council voted 5-0 to approve a new schedule change from 24 hours on, 48 hours off to 24 hours on, 72 hours off.

For years, the City of Greenville has operated on a traditional 24/48 model, where first responders will work 24 hour days or more with overtime, with just 48 hours off from work to rest.

Greenville Fire/Rescue Deputy Chief Jesse Harris says the current schedule has led to a high turnover rate for first responders due to large workloads, call volumes, and burnout, with not much time for rest.

“The science shows that one 24-hour shift of sleep deprivation t

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