When you need firefighters, you really need them

It’s good that the Wichita City Council and city firefighters’ union finally resolved their contract impasse. The new contract, which the council unanimously approved Tuesday, gives all union members a 4 percent pay raise each year through 2009, plus an additional 2.5 percent merit-based increase for about half of the members. Some citizens have complained that there aren’t as many fires anymore, so the firefighters don’t need a big pay raise. But Wichita salaries need to remain competitive with other cities. And as the chemical fire in Valley Center showed, when you need firefighters, you really need them.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee

5 Comments

  1. Kev
    Posted July 18, 2007 at 6:04 am | Permalink

    Firefighters do more than just spray water on fires you know. They also come and dig people out of car wrecks and come to your house before EMS when you feel that sudden sharp pain in your chest.

  2. outlander
    Posted July 18, 2007 at 6:59 am | Permalink

    Thank you firefighters, for the great job you did in oppressive conditions in Valley yesterday. The response was quick, the communication was professional. It’s good to know that we have the expertise locally to extinguish that type of complicated fire.

    Thanks to the other emergency responders too.

  3. Karl
    Posted July 18, 2007 at 7:24 am | Permalink

    Fireman are good folk and I am glad they got a raise in their paychecks.

    Personally, I donate to their Children’s education fund – (stop drop and roll) efforts.

    They also keep the City and County safe by making Fire Inspections and making sure new buildings and construction meet code.

    Can’t thank this men and women enough, they do a great job.

  4. Charles
    Posted July 18, 2007 at 8:16 am | Permalink

    (Begin ironic tone) I know I really felt protected when I saw the Park City police roll into Valley Center. (End ironic tone)

  5. sj
    Posted July 18, 2007 at 9:22 am | Permalink

    The firefighters, EMS and law enforcement should be paid very well. I’m glad they got their raise. I know they don’t serve the public to get rich, but come on, I don’t see a bunch of suits in the news running into burning buildings, or stopping at car wrecks to aid the injured, or chasing bad guys. Anyway, more power to them, I know everyone appreciates all they do. I’ll never argue when they ask for a raise.