The Fraternal Order of Police worked closely in 2021 with Mayor Tim Kelly and the Chattanooga City Council to secure critical increased compensation for Chattanooga’s First Responders.
As part of that process, we proposed implementing Cost of Living Adjustments for First Responders annually to avoid being the lowest-paid First Responders in the region within a few years.
If fair compensation was addressed annually, such a large adjustment would not be necessary today.
Chattanooga’s First Responders are again the lowest paid in the region, and this reality is having a direct impact on the services provided to all of Chattanooga.
The Fraternal Order of Police is once again working with Mayor Tim Kelly and his staff to help inform the City Council and residents about the consequences of underpaying First Responders. If the Council fails to take appropriate action to bring police pay in line with the market rate, and implement cost of living adjustments, Chattanooga will increasingly feel the impact of a decreasing First Responder workforce and the strain that puts on public safety in all Chattanooga neighborhoods.
We look forward to continued dialogue with the mayor and the Council. The Fraternal Order of Police cannot stress enough the importance of the Council moving forward with fair First Responder compensation to ensure that public safety is not just a priority - but a reality - for all Chattanoogans. Fair and competitive compensation is essential to achieving the vision of One Chattanooga - where every neighborhood is safe, and where we have the resources to provide the public service that every Chattanoogan expects and deserves.
Chris Mullinix
President FOP Rock City Lodge 22