For years I have heard just about every firefighter I know offer a solution to common day
problems among fire departments. Most of these problems stem from first hand experiences here in Roanoke. However, it should be noted that our problems are the same which exist across the Nation in the best and worst departments.

One issue we have is pay compression in our ranks. Recently this issue has gotten worse due to a raise given to the Paramedics and Intermediates. This raise was shelled out to correct another problem, retention. I agree with the raise, and I think that it is well deserved and the correct amount. What I don’t agree with is that we have made another issue worse.

Ever since the Fire Department merged with the EMS Department in 1995, the Paramedics have felt like red headed step children. Paramedics do not have any forward progression to move up other than becoming an officer on an Engine or Ladder company.

In case there is any question, the answer is yes. Just as we have firefighters who do not like EMS, we have EMT’s who do not like Firefighting.

What I offer you is a solution. Realize that I am not a City planner, or one of those high dollar consultants. I am merely a firefighter. I am sure many of you will offer amendments to my ideas, I hope you do. Maybe this will offer some insight to possible solutions.

Current Pay/Rank Structure

Pay Grade	Position	Starting
11	Firefighter	$31,213.52
12	Lieutenant	$34,802.82
13	1st Lieutenant	$38,806.04
14	Captain	$43,267.64
15	Battalion Chief	$48,243.78

Proposed Pay/Rank Structure

Pay Grade	Position	Starting
11	Firefighter	$31,213.52
12	Paramedic (AIC) or Apparatus Technician	$34,802.82
13	Lieutenant – Fire	$38,806.04
13	Lieutenant – EMS	$38,806.04
14	Captain I – Fire	$43,267.64
14	Captain I – EMS	$43,267.64
15	Captain II	$48,243.78
16	Battalion Chief	$54,494.96

There are some other issues to be cleared up though.

EMT Pay (1^st Responders)

Before the merge, the firefighters were given the option to become EMT’s. This began in 1991, and the pay was offered at $100 a month ($1200 yearly). Today, almost 16 years later, that pay has not changed once. The EMT pay is not added into the firefighter’s salary, therefore their raises are not figured on it, and it is not figured into their pensions. It is merely a stipend. However, the paramedics received extra money which is figured into their raises and pensions. Since everyone is so big on the Cost of living, let us look at the past 16 years and increase it by that much, and figure it in on raises (going back to the beginning) and pensions. This seems fair to me.

Hazmat Pay

I think that most of this money is reimbursed by the State, so you will have to battle that one at a higher level. Currently the HazMat Technicians/Specialists receive $100 a month. I am not sure when this started, but it is probably due for an increase, and make sure that it is figured into the raises and pensions.

As for the terminology changes, let me explain. The Paramedic or Technician pay grade is for Paramedics and Apparatus Technicians. All rookies will start out as pay grade 11, no matter their certification. Once they have been cleared as an AIC on the ambulance they will move up a pay grade. The testing for this level is held at the regard of being a nationally registered Paramedic or Intermediate. This pay grade is also for Apparatus Technician. This would require a test, similar to the newly rolled out Roanoke DPO thingy, without some of that nonsense (that is another post all together). Once you reach this level as a Technician you will be able to drive when the Lt. or Capt. is off. You could be a Paramedic and Apparatus Technician, but that doesn’t mean more money.

Lt. – EMS and Lt. – Fire

The fire Lt.’s would be the same as they are now; they drive the engines and ladders. The EMS Lt.’s would ride the ambulance, or backwards on the fire trucks, and be allowed to take command of EMS incidents. Theses Lt.’s could also ride on RS-1. You can transfer laterally from one to the other.

Captain I – EMS and Captain I – Fire

Captain I is the same as 1^st Lt. now. The EMS Captain I would ride RS-1 and be allowed to transfer laterally to Captain I Fire. Captain I – Fire would ride the ladder trucks or in the case of Station 10, the engine.

Captain II

This is for senior Captains. The Captain II would ride the seat of the Engines.

Hopefully this would take away some of the pay compression, allow for progression of everyone, and equalize the extra “moneys” some of us receive. Let me know what you think.