NYC Firefighter Salaries: 2023 Guide + Benefits


NYC Firefighter Salaries: 2023 Guide + Benefits

The compensation of New York Metropolis firefighters encompasses a fancy construction involving base wage, extra time pay, vacation pay, and numerous advantages akin to medical health insurance and retirement plans. A firefighter’s earnings rely considerably on rank and years of service. Entry-level firefighters usually earn a decrease wage than skilled captains or battalion chiefs. For instance, a newly appointed firefighter may begin with a particular annual wage, whereas a veteran firefighter with 20 years of expertise may earn considerably extra.

Understanding firefighter compensation is essential for a number of causes. It affords potential recruits a practical perspective on profession earnings, permitting them to make knowledgeable selections. Transparency in wage buildings additionally fosters public belief and accountability inside the fireplace division. Traditionally, firefighter compensation has developed alongside the growing calls for and dangers related to the career, reflecting the important position these people play in safeguarding the town. Moreover, aggressive pay and advantages assist entice and retain extremely expert personnel, guaranteeing the continued effectiveness and security of firefighting operations.

This exploration will delve into the specifics of NYC firefighter salaries, analyzing the totally different ranks inside the division and outlining typical earnings at every stage. It’s going to additionally analyze the affect of extra time and extra advantages on complete compensation, offering a complete overview of the monetary panorama for firefighters in New York Metropolis.

1. Base Wage

Base wage varieties the inspiration of a New York Metropolis firefighter’s compensation. Understanding this foundational ingredient is essential for assessing total earnings and evaluating compensation throughout totally different ranks and expertise ranges inside the FDNY. Base wage offers a assured stage of earnings, impartial of extra time or different supplementary pay.

  • Entry-Degree Firefighter Wage

    Upon becoming a member of the FDNY, firefighters obtain a beginning wage decided by the present union contract. This preliminary base wage usually will increase incrementally through the first few years of service, offering a structured path for early profession earnings development.

  • Wage Development Primarily based on Rank

    Promotion inside the FDNY ends in a major enhance in base wage. Every rank, from Firefighter to Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, and past, carries a corresponding wage stage, reflecting the elevated obligations and experience related to increased positions.

  • Longevity Pay

    Base wage additionally incorporates longevity pay, which rewards continued service inside the FDNY. This incremental enhance offers additional monetary incentives for long-term dedication to the division and acknowledges the accumulating expertise and worth of veteran firefighters.

  • Influence of Union Negotiations

    Base wage ranges for FDNY firefighters are topic to collective bargaining agreements between the firefighter’s union and the town. These negotiations play a vital position in figuring out wage will increase, changes for price of residing, and total compensation buildings.

These sides of base wage contribute considerably to the general monetary image for NYC firefighters. By understanding the construction and development of base wage, potential and present firefighters can higher assess their earnings potential all through their careers inside the FDNY. This information permits for more practical monetary planning and underscores the significance of base wage as a cornerstone of firefighter compensation in New York Metropolis.

2. Extra time Pay

Extra time pay performs a major position within the complete compensation of New York Metropolis firefighters. As a result of nature of their work, which requires 24/7 protection and responses to unpredictable emergencies, firefighters usually accrue substantial extra time hours. This facet of their compensation is essential for understanding the general monetary panorama for firefighters in NYC.

  • Scheduled Extra time

    To take care of ample staffing ranges always, fireplace departments usually schedule extra time shifts. This deliberate extra time contributes predictably to a firefighter’s earnings and permits for extra secure monetary planning. It additionally ensures constant protection and response capabilities, important for public security.

  • Unscheduled Extra time

    Unexpected occasions, akin to main fires, large-scale emergencies, or pure disasters, necessitate unscheduled extra time. Whereas much less predictable, any such extra time can considerably increase a firefighter’s earnings and underscores the demanding and unpredictable nature of the career.

  • Influence of Union Agreements on Extra time Charges

    Extra time charges for FDNY firefighters are ruled by collective bargaining agreements. These agreements outline the hourly fee for extra time work, usually calculated as a a number of of the common hourly fee, and guarantee truthful compensation for the extra hours labored.

  • Extra time and General Earnings

    Whereas base wage offers a basis, extra time usually represents a considerable portion of a firefighter’s annual earnings. This extra earnings can considerably affect total earnings and is an important part of the monetary image for NYC firefighters. Understanding the interaction of base wage and extra time is important for evaluating firefighter compensation comprehensively.

Contemplating these sides of extra time, it turns into clear that its contribution to total earnings is substantial and instantly influences how a lot firefighters make in NYC. The mix of scheduled and unscheduled extra time, regulated by union agreements, ends in a compensation construction that displays the demanding and sometimes unpredictable nature of firefighting in a serious metropolitan space.

3. Vacation Pay

Vacation pay contributes to the general compensation of New York Metropolis firefighters. Given the 24/7 nature of their service, firefighters usually work on holidays, necessitating extra compensation. Understanding vacation pay is important for an entire image of firefighter earnings in NYC.

  • Vacation Premium Pay Charges

    Firefighters usually obtain premium pay charges for engaged on designated holidays. These charges, usually stipulated in collective bargaining agreements, present extra compensation above their common hourly fee, recognizing the sacrifice of working throughout holidays.

  • Designated Holidays

    The precise holidays eligible for premium pay are normally outlined inside the collective bargaining settlement between the firefighter’s union and the town. These designated holidays usually embody main nationwide and spiritual holidays.

  • Vacation Pay and General Earnings

    Whereas vacation pay will not be as substantial as base wage or extra time, it contributes to a firefighter’s complete annual earnings. This extra compensation could make a noticeable distinction in total earnings and is a crucial consideration when evaluating the entire monetary image.

  • Influence of Staffing Wants on Vacation Work

    Sustaining ample fireplace division staffing ranges necessitates {that a} sure variety of firefighters work on holidays. This requirement underscores the important nature of their service and the direct affect of vacation pay on guaranteeing steady public security.

Vacation pay, whereas a smaller part in comparison with base wage and extra time, varieties an integral a part of the general compensation package deal for NYC firefighters. The premium charges for vacation work, outlined in union agreements, acknowledge the dedication required to keep up public security year-round, together with holidays. Understanding this facet of compensation offers additional readability on firefighter earnings in New York Metropolis.

4. Advantages Package deal

A complete advantages package deal considerably influences the general worth of firefighter compensation in New York Metropolis. Whereas wage constitutes a considerable portion of complete compensation, the advantages package deal provides appreciable worth, impacting a firefighter’s total monetary well-being. Understanding these advantages is essential for assessing the true earnings potential of a firefighting profession in NYC. These advantages usually embody:

  • Well being Insurance coverage: Complete medical protection, usually extending to members of the family, represents a considerable profit. This protection mitigates out-of-pocket healthcare bills, a major benefit in a metropolis with excessive healthcare prices. The precise medical health insurance plans accessible and their related prices are usually outlined in collective bargaining agreements.
  • Retirement Plan: Firefighters usually take part in outlined profit pension plans, offering a assured earnings stream after retirement. These plans supply long-term monetary safety and are a key ingredient of the general compensation package deal, particularly contemplating the bodily calls for of the career. Vesting intervals and profit calculation formulation are essential particulars inside these plans.
  • Incapacity Insurance coverage: Given the inherent dangers related to firefighting, incapacity insurance coverage offers essential earnings safety in case of on-the-job accidents. This profit ensures monetary stability ought to a firefighter turn into unable to carry out their duties attributable to a incapacity incurred within the line of responsibility.
  • Life Insurance coverage: Life insurance coverage advantages present monetary assist to households within the occasion of a firefighter’s demise. This protection affords essential peace of thoughts and monetary safety, particularly given the inherent risks of the career.

The worth of those advantages extends past their instant financial equal. As an illustration, strong medical health insurance protection reduces monetary burdens related to medical bills, whereas a safe retirement plan offers long-term monetary stability. Incapacity and life insurance coverage supply essential safety in opposition to unexpected circumstances, enhancing total monetary well-being. Understanding the total scope of those advantages offers a extra correct perspective on the whole compensation package deal.

Subsequently, when assessing the general worth of firefighter compensation in NYC, it is important to think about the excellent advantages package deal together with wage. These advantages, together with medical health insurance, retirement plans, incapacity insurance coverage, and life insurance coverage, considerably increase the whole compensation and contribute considerably to a firefighter’s monetary safety and long-term well-being. These advantages, negotiated and secured by means of union agreements, present essential security nets and long-term monetary planning instruments that reach past the instant paycheck, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of firefighter compensation in New York Metropolis.

5. Rank

Rank considerably influences compensation inside the New York Metropolis Hearth Division (FDNY). A hierarchical construction, starting from entry-level Firefighter to Chief of Division, dictates wage ranges. Every promotion to the next rank usually corresponds to a considerable enhance in base pay, reflecting the better duty, experience, and management required at every stage. This direct correlation between rank and earnings underscores the significance of profession development inside the FDNY for these looking for increased compensation. For instance, a Firefighter promoted to Lieutenant experiences a major wage enhance, additional amplified by subsequent promotions to Captain, Battalion Chief, and better ranks. This structured system incentivizes skilled improvement and offers a transparent pathway for elevated incomes potential.

The affect of rank extends past base wage. Sure advantages, akin to entry to specialised coaching packages and management improvement alternatives, turn into accessible at increased ranks. These advantages, whereas in a roundabout way financial, contribute to skilled development and improve profession prospects, not directly affecting total profession worth. Moreover, rank influences promotional alternatives. Increased-ranking officers have better entry to aggressive promotional exams and management roles, making a cycle {of professional} development and elevated incomes potential. This interconnectedness between rank, wage, advantages, and promotional alternatives emphasizes the importance of rank inside the FDNY’s compensation construction.

Understanding the hyperlink between rank and compensation offers essential insights into the FDNY’s reward system. This information permits aspiring and present firefighters to make knowledgeable profession selections, set sensible expectations, and strategize for long-term monetary planning inside the division. Ambition for increased earnings usually motivates firefighters to pursue promotions, contributing to a extremely expert and skilled management corps inside the FDNY. Recognizing the implications of rank development permits for a extra complete understanding of how compensation buildings function inside the division and highlights the significance of rank as a driving think about a firefighter’s incomes potential. This construction, whereas complicated, affords a transparent framework for profession development and monetary development inside the FDNY.

6. Years of Service

Years of service is a essential issue influencing firefighter compensation in New York Metropolis. The FDNY employs a system that rewards longevity, recognizing the accumulating expertise, ability, and institutional data gained over time. This technique instantly impacts earnings, offering monetary incentives for continued service and contributing to a secure and skilled workforce.

  • Wage Increments:

    Firefighter salaries usually enhance incrementally based mostly on years of service. These common step will increase, usually outlined in collective bargaining agreements, present predictable wage development all through a firefighter’s profession. For instance, a firefighter may obtain annual or biennial wage increments throughout their first a number of years of service, culminating in the next wage upon reaching a sure tenure milestone. This technique ensures constant progress in earnings, rewarding continued dedication to the FDNY.

  • Longevity Pay:

    Along with common step will increase, firefighters usually obtain longevity pay, a type of supplemental compensation particularly tied to years of service. Longevity pay additional rewards long-term dedication to the division, acknowledging the worth of skilled firefighters. This extra compensation offers additional incentive for continued service and might considerably affect total earnings over the course of a profession.

  • Pension Advantages:

    Years of service performs a vital position in figuring out retirement advantages. Pension payouts usually depend upon the variety of years served, with longer tenures usually leading to increased month-to-month pension funds. This connection incentivizes long-term dedication to the FDNY, guaranteeing a safe retirement for many who dedicate their careers to public service. Understanding the affect of years of service on pension advantages is important for long-term monetary planning.

  • Promotional Alternatives:

    Whereas in a roundabout way tied to compensation, years of service can affect promotional alternatives. Assembly minimal service necessities is commonly a prerequisite for eligibility for promotional exams. Expertise gained over time strengthens a candidate’s {qualifications} and enhances their competitiveness within the promotional course of. Thus, years of service not directly impacts incomes potential by opening doorways to higher-paying positions inside the FDNY. This connection between tenure and development underscores the significance of expertise in profession development inside the division.

In abstract, years of service is integral to the compensation construction inside the FDNY. The mix of wage increments, longevity pay, pension advantages, and eligibility for promotional alternatives creates a system that rewards long-term dedication and acknowledges the growing worth of skilled firefighters. This construction not solely advantages particular person firefighters but additionally contributes to the general stability and effectiveness of the FDNY by incentivizing long-term service and selling a extremely skilled workforce devoted to defending New York Metropolis.

7. Location (NYC)

The placement of New York Metropolis instantly influences firefighter compensation. A number of elements distinctive to NYC contribute to the general earnings of its firefighters. The excessive price of residing in New York Metropolis necessitates the next compensation stage to keep up an affordable lifestyle. Housing, transportation, and on a regular basis bills contribute to this elevated price of residing, impacting the required earnings for firefighters residing and dealing within the metropolis. This issue considerably differentiates NYC firefighter salaries from these in different, inexpensive areas.

Moreover, the sheer dimension and density of New York Metropolis, coupled with its complicated infrastructure, create a uniquely demanding atmosphere for firefighting operations. The excessive quantity of emergency calls, the various vary of constructing varieties, and the fixed presence of serious dangers necessitate a extremely expert and available firefighting power. This demand influences compensation buildings, recognizing the specialised abilities and elevated workload required to function successfully inside NYC. The town’s distinctive challenges contribute to the justification for increased firefighter pay in comparison with much less demanding places.

Lastly, the precise labor market dynamics inside New York Metropolis, together with competitors for expert professionals and the energy of the firefighters’ union, affect compensation negotiations and outcomes. The presence of a robust union offers leverage in collective bargaining, usually leading to favorable wage and profit packages for FDNY members. Competitors for certified people inside the metropolis’s strong labor market additional contributes to the necessity for aggressive compensation to draw and retain extremely educated firefighters. These localized elements contribute considerably to the general earnings of NYC firefighters. Understanding the affect of NYC’s particular location offers important context for evaluating firefighter compensation ranges and divulges the interconnectedness of location, price of residing, workload, and labor market dynamics.

8. Value of Residing

Value of residing performs a vital position in figuring out firefighter compensation in New York Metropolis. A firefighter’s wage should present ample earnings to fulfill the town’s excessive residing bills, which considerably exceed these of many different areas. Understanding this connection is important for evaluating the true worth of a firefighter’s earnings and the general competitiveness of their compensation package deal.

  • Housing:

    Housing prices in New York Metropolis are considerably increased than the nationwide common. Lease and residential buy costs place a major burden on family budgets, necessitating a wage that enables firefighters to safe appropriate housing inside an affordable commuting distance. The price of renting or proudly owning a house in numerous NYC boroughs instantly impacts a firefighter’s disposable earnings and total monetary well-being. Aggressive firefighter salaries should think about these elevated housing prices.

  • Transportation:

    NYC’s in depth public transportation system affords accessibility, however prices related to day by day commutes contribute to the general price of residing. Firefighters residing outdoors the town or in additional distant boroughs incur substantial transportation bills, which should be factored into their total compensation evaluation. The affordability and accessibility of transportation choices instantly affect a firefighter’s price range and underscore the significance of ample compensation.

  • On a regular basis Bills:

    The price of groceries, utilities, childcare, and different important items and providers in NYC tends to be increased than in lots of different components of the nation. These on a regular basis bills accumulate and affect a firefighter’s means to keep up an affordable lifestyle. Aggressive salaries should think about these elevated prices to make sure firefighters can comfortably afford day by day requirements.

  • Regional Comparisons:

    Evaluating the price of residing in NYC to that of different main cities or smaller cities highlights the monetary pressures confronted by NYC residents. This comparability offers beneficial context for understanding the need of upper salaries for NYC firefighters. A wage aggressive in a lower-cost space could be inadequate to cowl primary residing bills in New York Metropolis, demonstrating the significance of location-based compensation changes.

These price of residing elements considerably affect how a lot firefighters must earn to keep up an affordable lifestyle in New York Metropolis. Wage negotiations and compensation buildings inside the FDNY should account for these elements to make sure that firefighters obtain ample compensation relative to the town’s excessive residing bills. By understanding the connection between price of residing and firefighter compensation, one beneficial properties a clearer understanding of the monetary realities confronted by NYC firefighters and the significance of aggressive salaries in attracting and retaining certified people inside the division.

9. Union Agreements

Union agreements play a pivotal position in figuring out firefighter compensation in New York Metropolis. The Uniformed Firefighters Affiliation (UFA), the union representing FDNY firefighters, negotiates collective bargaining agreements with the town. These agreements set up the framework for numerous elements of compensation, impacting how a lot firefighters earn and the general worth of their employment.

  • Base Wage Negotiations:

    Union agreements set up the bottom wage ranges for every rank inside the FDNY, from entry-level Firefighter to Chief of Division. These negotiations decide beginning salaries, annual wage increments, and longevity pay will increase. The union advocates for aggressive base salaries that replicate the calls for and dangers of firefighting in NYC. The outcomes of those negotiations instantly affect a firefighter’s assured earnings and function the inspiration for total earnings.

  • Extra time and Vacation Pay Rules:

    Union agreements outline extra time and vacation pay charges, guaranteeing truthful compensation for the extra hours firefighters ceaselessly work. These agreements define the calculation strategies for extra time pay, usually a a number of of the common hourly fee, and specify premium pay charges for work carried out on designated holidays. These provisions considerably affect complete earnings, particularly contemplating the prevalence of extra time in firefighting.

  • Advantages Package deal Provisions:

    Union agreements define the specifics of the advantages package deal supplied to FDNY firefighters. These negotiations deal with medical health insurance protection, retirement plan contributions, incapacity insurance coverage provisions, and life insurance coverage advantages. The union works to safe complete and beneficial advantages that improve total monetary well-being and supply essential security nets for firefighters and their households. These advantages contribute considerably to the whole worth of the compensation package deal.

  • Working Situations and Security Protections:

    Whereas in a roundabout way associated to financial compensation, union agreements deal with essential elements of working circumstances and security protections. These negotiations set up protocols for protected working practices, gear requirements, and procedures for dealing with hazardous supplies. By advocating for protected working circumstances, the union not directly contributes to the general well-being and long-term well being of firefighters, which has vital implications for his or her careers and monetary stability.

The collective bargaining course of between the UFA and the town considerably impacts the general compensation package deal for NYC firefighters. These union agreements, achieved by means of negotiations, set up the framework for salaries, extra time pay, vacation pay, and advantages. This framework, influenced by elements akin to the town’s price of residing, the demanding nature of firefighting in a serious metropolis, and prevailing labor market circumstances, finally determines how a lot firefighters make in NYC. The energy and affect of the union play a vital position in securing aggressive compensation and guaranteeing that firefighters obtain truthful and equitable remedy concerning pay and advantages. Subsequently, understanding the position of union agreements offers essential context for comprehending firefighter compensation in New York Metropolis.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions on NYC Firefighter Salaries

This FAQ part addresses frequent inquiries concerning firefighter compensation in New York Metropolis. The data supplied goals to supply clear and concise solutions, selling a complete understanding of this complicated matter.

Query 1: What’s the beginning wage for a firefighter in NYC?

The beginning wage for an entry-level firefighter within the FDNY is set by the present collective bargaining settlement. This determine is publicly accessible and could be discovered on the FDNY’s official web site or by means of the Uniformed Firefighters Affiliation.

Query 2: How does extra time have an effect on a firefighter’s annual earnings?

Extra time can considerably affect a firefighter’s annual earnings. As a result of nature of their work, firefighters usually accrue substantial extra time hours, each scheduled and unscheduled. This extra compensation can characterize a considerable portion of their complete annual earnings.

Query 3: What advantages are included within the FDNY compensation package deal?

The FDNY affords a complete advantages package deal that features medical health insurance, a retirement plan, incapacity insurance coverage, and life insurance coverage. These advantages present vital worth past base wage and contribute to the general monetary well-being of firefighters.

Query 4: How does rank affect a firefighter’s wage?

Rank instantly influences base wage inside the FDNY. Every promotion to the next rank corresponds to a major enhance in base pay, reflecting the elevated duty and experience required at every stage. Info concerning wage schedules for various ranks is publicly accessible.

Query 5: How does the price of residing in NYC have an effect on firefighter compensation?

The excessive price of residing in New York Metropolis is a significant component thought-about throughout wage negotiations. Compensation goals to supply a ample earnings to fulfill the town’s elevated residing bills, encompassing housing, transportation, and different requirements.

Query 6: What position does the firefighters’ union play in figuring out compensation?

The Uniformed Firefighters Affiliation (UFA) performs a vital position in figuring out firefighter compensation by means of collective bargaining agreements with the town. These negotiations affect base wage, extra time pay, vacation pay, and advantages, instantly impacting the monetary well-being of FDNY members.

Understanding these key elements of NYC firefighter compensation offers beneficial insights into the monetary realities of this demanding and important career. Transparency in compensation buildings fosters knowledgeable decision-making for each potential and present firefighters.

For additional info and particular particulars on NYC firefighter salaries and advantages, consulting official assets such because the FDNY web site and the Uniformed Firefighters Affiliation is really helpful.

Suggestions for Potential Firefighters Contemplating a Profession in NYC

People contemplating a profession as a firefighter in New York Metropolis ought to rigorously consider a number of key elements associated to compensation. The following pointers present potential firefighters with insights to make knowledgeable selections concerning their profession path.

Tip 1: Analysis Present Wage Constructions: Totally analysis present wage buildings inside the FDNY. Consulting official assets, such because the FDNY web site and the Uniformed Firefighters Affiliation, offers correct and up-to-date info on beginning salaries, wage development, and the affect of rank and years of service on earnings.

Tip 2: Issue within the Value of Residing: Acknowledge the numerous affect of New York Metropolis’s excessive price of residing. Develop a practical price range that considers housing prices, transportation bills, and on a regular basis requirements to evaluate the adequacy of firefighter salaries in relation to residing bills.

Tip 3: Perceive the Function of Extra time: Account for the position of extra time in total compensation. Whereas extra time can considerably enhance annual earnings, it additionally requires working extra hours and navigating the calls for of a fluctuating schedule. Balancing the monetary advantages of extra time with private way of life preferences is essential.

Tip 4: Consider the Complete Advantages Package deal: Totally consider the excellent advantages package deal supplied by the FDNY, together with medical health insurance, retirement plan, incapacity insurance coverage, and life insurance coverage. Understanding the long-term worth of those advantages offers a extra correct evaluation of complete compensation.

Tip 5: Think about Profession Development Alternatives: Analysis profession development alternatives inside the FDNY. Understanding the promotional pathways and related wage will increase at every rank permits potential firefighters to set sensible profession targets and plan for long-term incomes potential.

Tip 6: Join with Present Firefighters: Networking with present NYC firefighters offers beneficial firsthand insights into the realities of the career, together with compensation, work-life steadiness, and profession satisfaction. These conversations supply views past official assets and might inform profession selections.

Tip 7: Assess Lengthy-Time period Monetary Objectives: Align profession aspirations with long-term monetary targets. Consider whether or not a profession as an NYC firefighter offers the required earnings and advantages to fulfill particular person monetary targets, contemplating elements akin to household planning, homeownership, and retirement financial savings.

Cautious consideration of those elements permits potential firefighters to make knowledgeable selections aligned with private and monetary targets. A sensible understanding of compensation inside the FDNY empowers people to pursue a satisfying and financially safe profession in firefighting.

This info goals to supply a complete overview of NYC firefighter compensation, empowering potential firefighters to make knowledgeable selections. The subsequent part concludes this exploration with closing ideas and proposals.

Conclusion

This exploration of New York Metropolis firefighter compensation reveals a multifaceted construction influenced by base wage, extra time, vacation pay, advantages, rank, years of service, location, price of residing, and union agreements. Every ingredient contributes to the general monetary image, creating a fancy system designed to draw and retain certified people in a demanding and important career. The excessive price of residing in NYC necessitates aggressive salaries, whereas the inherent dangers and unpredictable schedules inherent in firefighting underscore the significance of complete advantages packages. Profession development inside the FDNY, marked by rank developments and accumulating years of service, affords alternatives for elevated incomes potential and long-term monetary safety. Union agreements play a significant position in shaping compensation buildings, advocating for truthful wages and advantages that replicate the dedication and sacrifices made by NYC firefighters.

Potential recruits contemplating a profession with the FDNY are inspired to completely analysis the varied parts of firefighter compensation and weigh these elements in opposition to private monetary targets and way of life preferences. Understanding the total scope of compensation, past simply base wage, empowers knowledgeable decision-making. The data introduced right here offers a framework for additional exploration, selling transparency and a practical perspective on the monetary elements of serving as a firefighter in New York Metropolis. Additional analysis by means of official assets just like the FDNY web site and the Uniformed Firefighters Affiliation is really helpful for acquiring probably the most present and exact particulars concerning firefighter compensation.