Help Wanted: West Fargo Fire and Fargo Police Need Personnel

The West Fargo Fire Department and Fargo Police currently have one thing in common: a need for more personnel.

Looking into 2016, the Fargo Police Department is in need of four more officers.

Police Chief David Todd says the department is struggling to maintain their current officer per 1000 people ratio.

“For us to keep up with that ratio, we have to add 5–6 people per year in order to keep up with population growth,” said Police Chief Todd.

The department is also having to compromise when it comes to lack of space.

“We’re out of lockers, were out of offices, we’re out of parking space for our vehicles so as a temporary band–aid, the city has given us the health department across the street,” said Todd.

Chief Todd says the department is currently in the renovating process, and is hoping to expand into the space by mid next year.

The Fargo Police Department isn’t the only agency having to deal with shortages; the West Fargo fire department is also looking to hire more personnel.

“Right now we’re at 38, and with attrition were going to be down to 35 by the time we bring these new people on so we have at least 10 stops to fill over the course of the year,” said Fire Chief Dan Fuller of the West Fargo Fire Department.

Chief Fuller says as call volumes continue to go up, the need for personnel has become more of a pressing issue.

We were able to catch up with one applicant who says he heard about the need, and took action.

“It’s always something I’ve been interested in, and I heard that they were looking for people, and I think it’s would be a very rewarding experience, and give me a chance to give back to the community,” said Brandon Gaugler of West Fargo.

West Fargo Fire and Fargo Police both say the metro’s continued rapid growth is what has contributed to the shortages.