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Resident urges Calimesa to address firefighter pay and staffing shortages
Summary
During public comment at the Dec. 15 council meeting, resident Divina Rivera urged the council to address low firefighter pay, retention and staffing levels, saying many calls are medical and that the department has only two paramedics; she suggested considering a public-safety sales tax to attract personnel.
At the Dec. 15 Calimesa City Council meeting resident Divina Rivera told the council she has become close to local firefighters and is concerned about turnover tied to low pay and benefits.
Rivera described seeing firefighters called away from family meals on holidays and said crews face a heavy workload: "I'd say probably about 95 of their runs are medical related," she said, adding that "there's only 2 paramedics over there" and that some firefighters are paid "like, $18 an hour." She said some hires leave for higher pay elsewhere and asked the council whether the city has a plan to attract and retain personnel, suggesting a public-safety sales tax as one possible option.
Council thanked Rivera for her comments but did not take immediate action during the meeting; staff and council members acknowledged the concern and noted the topic falls under operational and budgetary review.
Next steps: Rivera said she plans to return with additional comments; council members may refer the topic to staff or the new public-safety ad hoc for further review.
