(Greensburg, IN) – The temporary closure of Greensburg Fire Department Station Two is drawing attention to staffing levels and the possibility of longer emergency response times.
Greensburg Professional Firefighters Union Local 5510 said Station Two was “browned out” from approximately 12:30 p.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. Thursday after an on-duty firefighter had to leave because of a family emergency and overtime coverage could not be secured.
The union said a brownout occurs when a station or piece of fire apparatus is temporarily taken out of service because of budget constraints, overtime limits or staffing shortages.
According to the union, Station Two and Engine Two remained unmanned during the period. Firefighters from Station One responded to a reported fall in Station Two’s coverage area that turned out to be a cardiac arrest.
The union said the response took nearly five minutes rather than the approximately 90 seconds that would normally be expected from Station Two.
“This goes to show why staffing is so vital to our department,” the union said. “GFD is facing a staffing crisis. We will still respond, but may have extended response times.”
The City of Greensburg said the department followed its staffing policy when it temporarily closed Station Two on Wednesday.
City officials said the shortage resulted from a combination of military deployment, family medical leave and positions left vacant after an agreement with Honda’s Indiana Auto Plant expired July 1.
That agreement had funded six Greensburg firefighter positions.
The city said financial uncertainty created by Indiana Senate Enrolled Act One has prevented officials from confidently determining whether Greensburg can absorb some or all of those positions in its 2027 budget.
City officials said the decision to pause hiring for the positions is directly connected to anticipated reductions in property-tax revenue under the law.
More than 70% of Greensburg’s General Fund is devoted to public safety staffing and operations, according to the city.
“As the City continues the 2027 budget process, discussions with Greensburg Fire Department leadership regarding staffing levels and the future operational status of Station Two remain a top priority,” the city said.
The city described Wednesday’s shutdown as temporary. It did not announce a permanent closure of Station Two or provide a timetable for filling the vacant positions.
