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Firefighter Shift Calendar (A, B, C Shift)
Most US fire departments run 24-hour shifts with three platoons, usually called A, B and C shift, on a 24/48, 48/96 or Kelly rotation. Departments moving to four platoons use the 24/72.
Shift patterns for firefighters
- 24/48 Schedule3-day cycle, 56 h a week
- 48/96 Schedule6-day cycle, 56 h a week
- Kelly Schedule9-day cycle, 56 h a week
- 24/72 Schedule4-day cycle, 42 h a week
Who is covered by 7(k)
The 7(k) overtime rules cover fire department employees who are trained in fire suppression, have the legal authority and responsibility to fight fires, and respond to fires and emergencies. That includes paramedics, EMTs and rescue workers employed by the fire department who meet those conditions (29 CFR 553.210). Civilian dispatchers, mechanics and clerks are not covered and get overtime after 40 hours a week.
Trading shifts
Two firefighters can swap shifts voluntarily, with the department's approval. The hours worked as a substitute are left out of the overtime count, and each person is credited as if they had worked their normal schedule (29 CFR 553.31). The swap must be freely chosen: the department can suggest it but cannot penalise anyone who refuses.
Holidays on a three-platoon schedule
On a 24/48 each platoon works one day in three, so every holiday is worked by one platoon. Because a normal year has 365 days, the platoon that works a fixed-date holiday such as July 4 changes from one year to the next. Choose "All crews" and change the year to see who works each holiday.
Tips
- Choose "All crews" for the classic station calendar with one colour per platoon.
- Kelly days (extra days off to cut weekly hours) differ by department: under "Kelly days" pick how often yours come, for example every 7th shift, and they show on the calendar and in your hours and pay.
- Press "Excel" with "All crews" selected to download the A, B and C shift year for the station board.
- Press "Embed" to put "who is on duty today" and the next 14 days on your department or union website. It is free and updates itself every day.
- The calendar file adds each 24-hour shift as an all-day event, so it does not move at daylight saving time.
Questions
Which shift schedules do firefighters work?
Most US fire departments run 24-hour shifts with three platoons, usually called A, B and C shift, on a 24/48, 48/96 or Kelly rotation. Departments moving to four platoons use the 24/72.
Can I share my schedule with my family?
Yes. Copy the link: it opens the same calendar on any phone, without an account.