City Council Expresses Interest In Raising Firefighter Pay

  • Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Several City Council members said Tuesday they want a future vote on raisign pay for firefighters.

The council was told that a $3.5 million item needed for a pay adjustment had not made it into the budget sent on by administration to the council each year.

Councilman Anthony Byrd, who heads the councii's public safety committee, said, "We will continue to work and fight for fair firefighter pay. So just hang on - we're fighting for you."

Chief Phil Hyman said the pay for 91of the newest firefighter recruits amounts to $10.59 per hour, which is below the federal minimum wage of $12.60 an hour.

However, he said it is "apples to oranges" because city firefighters have a base pay of $33,900 per year.

He said the difference is that firefighters put in about 60 hours per week, rather than the traditional 40 hours.

Chief Hyman said it is becoming more difficult to recruit firefighters and keep them, and he said low pay is the main reason given.

He said the problem was exacerbated when the pay plan for firefighters had to be frozen due to COVID budget cuts.

He said 2,800 individuals expressed interest in working as a Chattanooga firefighter, but at the end of the process only three were left for hiring.

Chief Hyman said that "modified academy" approach did not work and he will be returning to a regular fire academy to try to add to the workforce.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 7/12/2025

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com ) ADKIRSON,JAMES ... more

Bridge Inspections Prompt Lane Closures On I-75 In Bradley County
  • 7/11/2025

Drivers traveling on I-75 in Bradley County should be aware of an upcoming bridge inspection that will temporarily impact traffic. Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time, Tennessee Department ... more

Work Replacing Drainpipe Prompts Closure Of Section Of Highway 41 In Marion County On Monday
  • 7/11/2025

Drivers traveling on Highway 41 (Cummings Highway) in Marion County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will temporarily impact traffic. On Monday from 6 a.m. to ... more