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Re(14): Residency Posted on April 27, 2023 at 02:08:58 by Tommy Boy
I’m not going to do all of your homework for you. Learn how to use the Google and search as many suburban contracts as you want. These days, almost every public employer posts labor contracts online – anyone can see them.
But just for a few examples:
Arlington Heights IAFF Local 3105
As of Jan 1, 2023, top firefighter pay is $109,513 and if you are a paramedic, $117,728
They negotiated a total of 1-hour with the city and settled their contract.
They were also given $1100 per member in bonus reward money.
And read the details, they get longevity pay, holiday pay, overtime pay, and other benefits.
They have a quartermaster system that issues all their uniforms and gear and on top of that they get a uniform “maintenance” allowance for washing/caring for their uniforms.
Members are not required to live in Arlington Heights.
Orland Park IAFF Local 2754
As of 2023, top firefighter pay is $106,930. But if you are a paramedic, you get an extra stipend depending on years of service anywhere from $4,529 to $7,771 per year.
EMTs also get extra pay each year.
They also get extra annual incentive pay for having a college degree.
Just like described above, they get longevity pay, holiday pay, overtime pay, and other benefits.
Members are not required to live in Orland Park.
Schaumburg IAFF Local 4092
As of May 1, 2023, top firefighter pay is $107,243. If you are a paramedic, you get an extra 5.45% of top firefighter pay which brings their salary to $113,087.
And, like the others above, yes, they get longevity pay, holiday pay, overtime pay and other benefits.
Members are not required to live in Schaumburg.
Skokie IAFF Local 3033
As of 2023 top firefighter pay is $105,648. If you are an EMT (which virtually everyone is) you get an extra $5,150.
And without spelling it all out, yes, they get extras including longevity pay, overtime pay, uniform allowances, etc.
They can live in a 7-county area of Illinois as well as being able to reside in Kenosha County, WI or Lake County, IN.
Come out of your cave and start talking to people. There are dozens of Chicago suburbs in the same boat – good pay, nice firehouses, great working conditions – and either NO RESIDENCY or very LIBERAL RESIDENCY requirements.
Use your computer search talents to also read about the downstate firefighter’s pension that all these suburbs are in. After 30 years you get 75% of your final annual salary. As important, their widows get 100% of their pension upon the member’s death. (Do you realize that your widow gets only 50% of your CFD pension)? Also, they get a 3% COLA increase on their pension every year – no need to keep returning to the legislature to beg for inclusion for members born before a certain date – every retiree gets it automatically for life.
Oh, and just one last thing: they do a normal run volume to homes and businesses where people respect them (and typically only call if they are really needed). The number of fires is minimal. They work every third day with additional days off (call them Kelly Days, Daley Days or whatever you want, CFD is not special in that respect).
So, keep thinking that everything is better at the CFD. That’s why the word “mush” is applicable to many. Open your eyes brothers and sisters. The grass is a lot greener in the suburbs. But then I guess some will say “yeah, but I get to go more fires here in the city, I am a tough smoke eater”. Keep thinking that way, one day you will grow up and realize no one cares. You should be taking care of yourself and your family. That “being on a busy fire company” story is a thing of the past. If you are on one of the five or ten busy fire companies left in the city, just how long is that “cool” taking care of trash neighborhoods all day and night? All while you are forced to live in a city that is broke, where crime is out of control, property taxes are only going up, the pension systems are on the verge of failure, school ratings are lousy, and you must worry about driving to the store or walking down your alley at night? WAKE UP!