Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley city leaders are changing how the Fire Department is organized to open more doors for local firefighters. A new structure will add ranks between entry-level jobs and top officers. Officials say the plan will reward experience, support morale and strengthen public safety. The change has broad support.

At a recent meeting, the Foley City Council approved a reorganization that creates new positions within the Fire Department. City officials describe it as an expansion of advancement opportunities. The move builds on changes made two or three years ago in command staff roles.

Fire Chief Joey Darby said the current structure leaves a big gap between front-line firefighters and lieutenants. “Currently with our firefighter positions, between our entry-level position and our lieutenant's position, which is the next-ranked officer, there's a five pay-grade difference,” Darby said.

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The new plan adds an advanced firefighter rank and a dedicated driver operator rank between entry-level firefighters and lieutenants. “This will give us some real good bandwidth to be able to add some positions,” Darby said, describing the change as an important step for the department.

Darby said the added ranks should also help with hiring. “We will have more of an entry-level position but also show that upward mobility,” he said. “We think that'll make us a little more attractive, competitive in the market.”

Thurston Bullock, Foley’s executive director for public safety, said the reorganization is designed to help firefighters grow over long careers. “We believe it's going to be great for the future of the Fire Department,” Bullock said. He called the decision a key investment in people.

Retention is a central goal. “The retention aspect is another thing that we looked at,” Bullock said. “It's going to be a great morale boost for the Fire Department. It's going to give them a career path from the entry-level all the way up to the lieutenant level.”

It will also open doors for leadership. Bullock said it will let firefighters “be able to climb that ladder and be able to make rank, and then the natural leaders will develop through that process and the cream will rise to the top. We're excited.”

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the changes are meant to reward hard work. “This is really an incentive program too for the rank and file,” Hellmich said. He noted that similar adjustments for public safety have helped Foley stay competitive for talent.

“Two or three years ago, we reorganized and made some changes at the command staff levels, which helped. We've also done this for the Police Department,” Hellmich said.

He added, “This helps us remain competitive across the board with our Fire Department and takes care of our folks. It gives them an incentive to move up.”

City officials say the updated structure will help the Fire Department respond to a growing community while honoring those who serve. With more steps on the career ladder, Foley hopes to draw new recruits, keep experienced firefighters and provide steady leadership for years to come.