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Matthews to hire more firefighters to meet public safety demands

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Matthews Fire and EMS is enhancing its staffing plan to meet the high volume of calls it receives.

Crews respond to about 3,500 calls a year, which is about 10 a day.

The department was formed in the 1950s consisting of volunteers.

Matthews relied on an all-volunteer department until 2005 when the department began hiring full-time career staff.

"We have more people working around the clock," fire Chief Rob Kinniburgh said.

[Multiple crashes following brush fire on Interstate 485]

There will be 10 new firefighters hired to help cover the 24-hour schedule supplemented by volunteers.

"Having consistent staffing makes us a much more effective department,” the fire chief said. (It) makes us be able to respond to the needs of the community that much greater."

The change comes after the Matthews Board of Commissioners approved a tax increase toward public safety.

Residents are confident in the difference it will make.

"It's reassuring to know that there are so many people to help you," resident Sophia Thompson said.

Kinniburgh encourages volunteers to join even with the staffing.

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