Response times have improved after staffing changes were made at the Ridgefield Fire Department. The Ridgefield Press reports that the eight-man shift has meant faster response times and a reduction in the need for mutual aid. Overtime did increase, but Ridgefield officials anticipated the cost. The Press report of statistics showed a 7-percent faster response. Four platoons, of eight firefighters each, work 24-hour shifts, with two firefighters working 8am to 8pm, three days on and three days off.
