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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 27, 2007

They Deserve Raise

Regarding 'Pasco Should Water Down Fire-Rescue Union Demands' (Our Opinion, Oct. 23):

Once again one of the Tribune's knuckleheaded pencil pushers of the editorial staff has gotten their facts all in a wad. Saying Pasco should water down fire-rescue's union demands for their 3-year, 20-percent raise increase is absurd. If you would have checked you would have found Pasco County Fire Rescue has for many years been one of the lowest-paid fire departments in the state. Not properly checking your facts, you probably didn't know that part of PCFR's orientation is how to fill out the proper paperwork for government assistance like WIC. Yes, they qualify due to their low salaries.

The most dangerous part of an editorial writer's job is getting a paper cut or donut jelly on their tie, but these guys put their lives on the line every time the alarm sounds for the taxpayers of Pasco. They make great sacrifices for this type of job, including being away from their families for 24 hours every third day. They deserve this long overdue raise. This 20 percent raise is over three years but also for all the past years of getting next to no raise at all.

Do not listen to an overpaid desk jockey who, by the way, would want the best-trained and -paid firefighter available to rescue him when he falls and can't get up by himself. Tell your Pasco County commissioners to vote yes for this much needed, long overdue raise.

LAWSON CARTER

Tampa
Underappreciated Heroes

Space will not allow me to dispute most of the facts in the editorial. Just remember, 9/11, no-name storm, fires in California, numerous hurricanes, traffic accidents with injury, hospital transports, home/car/land fires and all other emergency situations where we need help.

I lived in Pasco for many years, but no matter where I live, I will always support firefighters, police and teachers. They are underpaid, underappreciated, absolutely necessary and with the most dangerous job situation of any community worker. I'm proud of our firefighter/rescue men and women.

RITA CLEMENTS

Spring Hill

Demands Are Reasonable

Regarding the Pasco Fire Rescue union demands, the ruling was made due to the fact that we have been underpaid for years. We just want to be paid as other firefighters and paramedics are in similar-sized departments. How is your salary determined? Is it based on industry standard? This is the problem facing Pasco County Fire Rescue.

We are losing good people to neighboring counties for better pay and benefits. You talk about taxpayers struggling with 'skyrocketing' property and health insurance bills. We are taxpayers too. Starting salaries for firefighters is approximately $28,000 a year, family insurance costs us $8,000, and after paying our property taxes and family insurance, what do you think is left?

You stated that we should not be denied good wages, and we agree. Our job, like the police department, is challenging and cannot be compared to other county positions.

This leads me to your next 'opinion' about the audacity to expect taxpayers to pay firefighters salaries up to nine months when unable to work due to a job injury. This has to be put into perspective. Writing opinions could lead to a carpal tunnel injury that could put you out of work for a month. In firefighting we face unique hazards like working in burning buildings, explosions, deadly diseases, motor vehicle accidents and gas leaks, to name a few. These work conditions could easily lead to nine months out of work or longer, possibly even death.

You stated that firefighters could instead purchase supplemental insurance and other protections to 'pay the bills.' To this I say, 'see previous example of what a firefighter makes.'

We are not looking for unrealistic demands. We are trying to negotiate a reasonable salary and benefits package that we can live on and that is comparable to the industry standard for this area.

JASON TUCKER

Spring Hill

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