Paul Mata, vice president of Hartford Firefighters Local 760, urged the Hartford City Council during public comment to support the city’s firefighters and to pursue fair wages after a prolonged contract fight.

Mata, a Hartford firefighter for 25 years who said he has participated in four contract negotiations, said the union has negotiated “in good faith under challenging conditions and with complete transparency.” He told the council he is stepping forward to lead Local 760 while the union president recovers from a medical emergency.

The union’s appeal received backing from public commenters who said actions by a previous administration harmed public-safety contracts. "The number 1 issue for the fire department and the police department is you have to undo the damage that Mayor Bronin did to their contracts," said Alyssa Peterson, a resident who spoke during the same public-comment period.

Council President Shirley Surgeon acknowledged the remarks and thanked the firefighters and their supporters for attending. Several speakers emphasized the safety role firefighters play in the city and asked the council to pursue remedies through negotiation, mediation or other means already in the contract process.

Mata described the department as “a pillar of this city” and said union members seek parity with peers across the state. He left contact information for council members who want follow-up and said the membership has shown support through neighborhood outreach and social media.

No formal council action or vote occurred during the meeting; the remarks were made during the public-comment period. Members of the public also asked the council to press the administration and state officials where applicable to help resolve outstanding bargaining issues.

The council did not announce any immediate staff action or formal referral at the meeting. Council members thanked the speakers and said they would relay the remarks to appropriate city staff and the mayor’s office for follow-up.