By Angela Brown

Battleford gives firefighters a raise

Dec 18, 2018 | 11:00 AM

The Town of Battleford’s firefighters will receive more compensation now that council has approved a recommendation from administration for a pay increase. 

CAO John Enns-Wind presented his report at Monday’s council meeting and indicated the last increase for the fire department was in 2016.

The fire department is comprised of the fire chief, one full-time employee, the deputy fire chief, a captain, two lieutenants, and 16 volunteer firefighters.   

The CAO indicated the fire chief reviewed communities of about the same size as Battleford, and found the proposed increase will see members paid at a rate of about 75 per cent of the compensation of the highest paid members in other similar-sized fire departments. The fire department coverage area goes beyond the township, in the R.M of Battle River. 

Enns-Wind pointed out the town has grown significantly over the years, and the activity level has increased as well. He added since 2007 service calls have increased by 150 per cent.

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Mayor Ames Leslie said following council volunteer members also have fulltime jobs during the day.

“They do come out when that alarm, that phone call or pager goes off no matter what time, what time of the day to protect this community,” he said, adding it cuts into members’ personal time.

Council approved the following increases recommended by administration retroactive to Jan. 1, 2018. The fire chief’s salary will increase to $1,100 per month from $1,000 per month with the chief’s firefighting rate increased by a dollar to $27 per hour. The deputy chief’s rate will be set at $600 per month. The first captain’s rate will increase to $400 per month, compared to the existing rate of $300 per month. The firefighting rate will increase by $1 to $22 per hour. The training and practice rate will increase by $1 to $17 per hour. The on-call rate will go up by $1 to $17 per day.

Leslie and Coun. Kevin Russell, both volunteer firefighters, left council’s chambers during council’s discussions related to the rates, due to a conflict of interest.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW