Firefighters again asking for help gaining pay equity, safe staffing

The Story
February 10, 2005

Editor’s Notes

By John Schaffner

     I am devoting my column this week to a letter written by Keith Schumacher, one of Atlanta’s loyal and devoted firefighters assigned to Station 23 on Howell Mill Road to the members of the Berkeley Park Neighborhood Association last weekend. It is typical of the sentiments firefighters across the city are expressing to residents in the neighborhoods they serve and protect.

       I support the sentiments expressed by Schumacher below and urge the City Council and Mayor Franklin to improve the pay and benefits of our city’s firefighters and see to it that all stations and units are operating at a safe level.

Members of BPNA:

     The time has come once again for Atlanta’s firefighters to seek the help of those who we are proud to serve.

As you know, Mayor Franklin vetoed a proposal that would have saved your firefighters from becoming lower class public servants.

     Currently, Atlanta firefighters lag 7 percent behind Atlanta’s police officers in salary while working 16 more hours per week. A consultant hired by the city found that Atlanta’s firefighters are paid 16 to 28 percent below firefighters of comparably sized metro fire departments.

     Atlanta’s Fire-Rescue Department is the oldest, largest and busiest fire department in Georgia. Does it make sense that your fire department is so far behind in pay and pension benefits?

     Our department is trying to fill more than 150 vacant positions to reach a minimum safe staffing goal of four members per unit. This number is set according to NFPA 1710, a national standard for career fire departments.

Engine #23 is currently running with only three members. That is one officer, one driver/pump operator and one firefighter. Under the current two in/two out safety requirements, Engine #23 cannot even launch an interior fire attack until help comes from another station. This is because we simply do not have enough people. We need to get the fourth member returned to Station #23!

     How can your fire department recruit the most qualified and brightest candidates to fill these positions when the salary and pension benefits lag so far behind competing fire departments and even the police department? It is imperative that Atlanta’s citizens now stand behind your firefighters and encourage the members of the Atlanta City Council to stop this downward spiral.

     We know that it is unrealistic to ask for even the low end of what their own study revealed, which would be a 16-percent salary increase. We are simply asking for pay and pension equal to that of Atlanta’s police officers. Due to the mayor’s veto in December, this would require a 7-percent increase to catch up. While this still would not make us competitive in the market, it would be a step in the right direction.

     On February 21, the City Council will vote on the appropriation of over $18 million in surplus from the 2004 budget. Now is the time for you to contact City Council members and encourage them to reinstate police-fire pay and pension parity.

     We know that the money is there. We know that the need is there. We need for them to know that it is the desire of the citizens to have the highest quality professional emergency services available.

     I know that the BPNA stands behind Station #23. If it weren’t for you we wouldn’t be here. Please take the time now to call and/or email the City Council members and encourage them to give your firefighters back their dignity. Give your firefighters the tools to recruit the best candidates who will serve you when your need is greatest. Thank you.

Keith Schumacher

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