Firefighters Demand Pay Parity with Police Department Raises

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the pressing needs of the local fire department, particularly regarding equipment and salary parity with the police department. A representative expressed gratitude towards the firefighters present and emphasized the importance of restoring parity in salary increases between the fire and police departments. Historically, when the police received raises, the fire department would receive equivalent increases, a practice that has since been discontinued.

The representative highlighted the starting salary for certified firefighters, currently around $42,000, and advocated for efforts to increase this figure. They requested a detailed breakdown of salaries from the fire department, comparing them with those in surrounding areas and similar-sized cities, to better understand the compensation landscape.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the condition of the fire department's vehicles, with several older units currently non-operational. The department is exploring options to auction off these vehicles, ideally to other municipalities that may benefit from them. The discussion included the potential donation of older fire trucks, although concerns were raised regarding state regulations that may limit the acceptance of vehicles over 20 years old.

The public safety administrator for the Jackson Fire Department, Andrea Tyler, was present to provide a budget presentation for the upcoming fiscal year, which included an overview of recent community engagement activities. The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the fire department in securing necessary resources and maintaining equitable treatment in salary matters.