Welcome to the Pioneer Shield podcast. As always, my name's James Gearing, and this week it is my absolute

honor to welcome on the show, veteran firefighter and the union president for Gainesville Fire Rescue,

David Shuford. Now, in this conversation, we discuss a host of topics from his journey into the

volunteer fire service, the competitive nature of recruitment when

he was first trying to get hired on the career side, his journey into Gainesville, witnessing

the recruitment and retention crisis firsthand, their mission to pursue the 2472 42 hour work week,

the incredible successes they've witnessed over the last year,

the increase in retention, recruitment, the wellness of their people, the relationships of the

firefighter families, and of course the money saved. Now before we get to this incredible

conversation, as I say every week,

please just take a moment. Go to whichever app you listen to this on. Subscribe to the show,

leave feedback and leave a rating. Every single five-star rating truly does elevate this podcast,

therefore making it easier for others to find.

And this is a free library of over 1,200 episodes now.

So all I ask in return is that you help share these incredible men and women's stories

so I can get them to every single person on planet Earth who needs to hear them.

So with that being said, I introduce to start by saying two things.

Firstly, thank you to our mutual friend, Matt Harrison, who was also on the

podcast when you guys were first starting this journey. And secondly, I want to thank you

for taking the time and coming on the Behind the Shield podcast today. Yeah, I appreciate it.

So where on planet Earth be finding you this morning? So I'm actually at our at our union hall, the Gainesville Professional Fireman here in here in Gainesville.

So that's where you got me.

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