Recruitment remains a challenge for the Durham Fire Department, but the mission has not changed. Firefighters have continued serving the community without disruption because they are picking up more shifts.
“It is hard being 21, living on your own in the city of Durham. We are growing, which is great, as well as the prices of everything,” said Durham firefighter Thali Samiyoa.
It’s the overtime pay that helps Samiyoa cover his bills. He’s been on the force working at Station 4 for two years and has been drawn to the day-to-day unpredictability of the job…