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FDNY Commissioner Highlights EMS Pay Disparity, Urges Parity

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FDNY Commissioner Highlights EMS Pay Disparity, Urges Parity

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said EMS personnel are the lowest-paid first responders in New York City.
• Bonsignore spoke about pay parity during a “State of the FDNY” breakfast event sponsored by the FDNY Foundation.
• She linked low pay to recruitment and retention challenges as medical calls make up the majority of FDNY workload.
• Starting EMT salaries are significantly lower than those of firefighters, officials said.
• Contract negotiations between EMS unions and City Hall are expected to continue later this month.

NEW YORK, NY — Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said Monday that emergency medical service workers with the Fire Department of New York are the lowest-paid first responders in the city and that addressing pay disparities is critical to recruitment and retention, officials said.

FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore speaks during her swearing-in ceremony at FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn, Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Shawn Inglima/TNS

Bonsignore made the comments during a “State of the FDNY” breakfast event sponsored by the FDNY Foundation, stressing that EMTs and paramedics deserve compensation that reflects their contribution to the city’s emergency response.

Officials noted that medical calls make up a large majority of FDNY responses, and that starting salaries for EMTs remain far below those of firefighters, a disparity union representatives say has exacerbated staffing challenges.

Bonsignore, who previously led the FDNY’s EMS division, said she has no direct role in contract negotiations but advocates for EMS compensation that matches the demands of the job.

Labor negotiations between EMS unions and New York City officials are ongoing, with additional bargaining sessions expected later this month, members said.

Michigan Fire Chief Bars Apparatus From Retirement Party

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Michigan Fire Chief Bars Apparatus From Retirement Party

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• Dearborn, Michigan, firefighters objected after the fire chief banned department fire trucks from appearing at a deputy chief’s retirement party.
• The party was held Thursday at a bar on Michigan Avenue, where trucks traditionally provided a ceremonial “last ride.”
• Fire Chief Joseph Murray said apparatus are only sent to events at stations and that no request was made for the retirement party.
• Union leaders say trucks have appeared at similar off-duty events in the past and dispute the chief’s explanation.
• The decision follows a history of disputes between the chief and the firefighters’ union.

DEARBORN, MI — Fire apparatus from the Dearborn Fire Department were not permitted at a deputy chief’s retirement party Thursday at a local bar, Fire Chief Joseph Murray said, a departure from past practice that drew complaints from firefighters and union leaders.

Murray told reporters he declined to send rigs to the event at the Biergarten on Michigan Avenue because department vehicles are dispatched to celebrations only when held at fire stations, and because no formal request for apparatus was submitted.

Current and former leaders of the International Association of Firefighters Local 412 said fire trucks have regularly appeared at retirement events held at the Biergarten and that no written request is required under department practice.

Retiring Deputy Fire Chief Laura Ridenour, who served 24 years, said she was unaware of any reason for the change and had not been asked about requesting apparatus.

Union officials said the decision breaks with tradition and contributes to ongoing tensions between the fire chief and rank-and-file members.

Illinois voters to decide on 131.95% fire district tax rate increase to support ambulance staffing

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Illinois voters to decide on 131.95% fire district tax rate increase to support ambulance staffing

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• Voters in the Sublette Fire Protection District in Illinois will decide March 17 on whether to approve a 131.95% tax rate increase to fund a staffed ambulance service.
• If approved, the district’s property tax revenue for emergency services would more than double under the proposed rate change.
• Homeowners in the district would see substantial increases in their annual fire-district tax bills under the proposal.
• Fire officials said the measure is aimed at addressing increased call volume and difficulty staffing ambulances at current funding levels.

SUBLETTE, IL — Voters in the Sublette Fire Protection District will cast ballots March 17 on a proposal that would raise the district’s tax rate by 131.95% to fund and sustain a staffed ambulance service.

A Sublette ambulance and fire engine.
Sublette Fire Department/Facebook

Under the referendum, the district’s annual property tax revenue for fire and emergency medical services would increase from about $219,000 to an estimated $412,396, officials said. The current tax rate of .1898 per $100 of equalized assessed valuation would rise to .51 per $100 of equalized assessed valuation if the measure is approved.

Local fire board leaders said the additional funds are needed to address a sharp increase in call volume, particularly for ambulance responses, and to ensure consistent staffing levels for emergency medical services. They noted that in 2025 the department answered 265 calls, with 170 involving ambulance service.

Homeowners in the district would see notable changes in their annual tax bills if the increase is approved; for example, a home valued at roughly $140,630 would see its fire-district tax rise from about $68 to $183 per year, and larger homes would see proportionally larger increases.

State law requires two emergency medical technicians on each ambulance call unless a waiver is granted; the department has operated under such waivers but said it was unable to staff two EMTs for some calls in 2025. District officials emphasized that the tax increase is aimed at improving staffing capacity rather than reducing other services.

Illinois bill moves forward that would lower firefighter minimum age to 18

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Illinois bill moves forward that would lower firefighter minimum age to 18

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• Illinois legislators advanced a bill that would lower the minimum age to become a firefighter from 21 to 18.
• Supporters said the change could help departments struggling with staffing shortages by expanding the recruitment pool.
• Opponents raised concerns about training, maturity and readiness of younger recruits.
• The bill must still pass additional legislative steps before becoming law.

SPRINGFIELD, IL — A measure that would lower the minimum age to become a firefighter in Illinois from 21 to 18 advanced in the state legislature this week, officials said.

Illinois State Capitol building in Springfield.
By Daniel Schwen/Wikipedia

Sponsors of the bill said the change is intended to help fire departments address ongoing staffing shortages by broadening the pool of eligible recruits and creating earlier entry into training and certification pathways.

Supporters also noted that younger firefighters could begin accruing experience sooner and contribute to long-term workforce stability if adequate training and mentorship are provided.

During committee hearings, opponents raised concerns about whether 18-year-olds have the maturity and physical readiness necessary for the responsibilities and stresses of firefighting, urging careful consideration of training and safety standards.

The bill must still clear additional committee votes and receive final approval from both legislative chambers before it can be signed by the governor and become law.

Northern New Mexico paramedics rescue squatter during house fire response

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Northern New Mexico paramedics rescue squatter during house fire response

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• First-arriving paramedics in northern New Mexico rescued a squatter trapped in a burning house, fire officials said.
• The incident occurred in the early morning after reports of smoke and flames at a residential structure.
• Paramedics entered the home and located the occupant in a hallway, removing them to safety.
• The person was evaluated by EMS and transported to a hospital; the fire’s origin remains under investigation.

NORTHERN NEW MEXICO — First-arriving paramedics in northern New Mexico rescued a person living as a squatter after locating them inside a burning house early Sunday, officials said.

Emergency dispatchers received reports of a residential structure fire shortly before dawn, prompting fire and EMS units to respond to the scene. Upon arrival, crews observed visible fire and smoke conditions and began coordinated rescue and fire suppression operations.

Paramedics, operating ahead of additional engine companies due to proximity, entered the home to search for occupants and located an adult in a hallway near heavy smoke. They removed the individual to safety and provided immediate medical evaluation.

The rescued person was transported to a local hospital for further assessment, with no additional fatalities reported. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after multiple hose line advances and ventilation efforts.

Fire officials said the cause and origin of the fire are being investigated by the appropriate fire marshal’s office, and that determining how the squatter entered the home is part of the ongoing review.

Illinois fire department sees recruitment surge after adopting 24-72 shift schedule

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Illinois fire department sees recruitment surge after adopting 24-72 shift schedule

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• An Illinois fire department reported a surge in firefighter recruitment after switching to a 24-hours-on, 72-hours-off shift schedule.
• Department officials said the change improved work-life balance and made the organization more attractive to recruits.
• Firefighters and recruits cited better rest, family time and reduced burnout as reasons for increased interest.
• The department plans to continue monitoring staffing levels and operational readiness under the new schedule.

ILLINOIS — A fire department in Illinois has reported a notable increase in firefighter recruitment after transitioning to a 24-hours-on, 72-hours-off shift schedule, officials said.

Department leadership said the change was implemented to improve firefighters’ work-life balance and retention, and that the updated schedule has resonated with both current personnel and prospective recruits.

Firefighters and recent recruits commented that the longer off-duty periods allow for more rest, family time and personal obligations, reducing overall fatigue and improving job appeal.

The department’s human resources and command staff said they will continue to track staffing numbers, response performance and personnel feedback as the schedule remains in place to ensure operational readiness is sustained.

New Jersey firefighter dies after falling into icy water during marina fire response

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New Jersey firefighter dies after falling into icy water during marina fire response

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• A New Jersey firefighter died after falling into icy water while operating at a marina fire, authorities said.
• The fatal incident occurred during emergency operations at the Glen Cove Marina on Jan. 30, when the firefighter entered the water and became unresponsive.
• Crews pulled the firefighter from the water and transported him to a hospital, where he later died.
• The New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident.

NEW JERSEY — A New Jersey firefighter died after falling into icy water while working at a marina fire earlier this week, officials said.

Fire departments and emergency personnel responded to a blaze at a marina on Jan. 30. During operations, a firefighter entered the frigid water and became unresponsive, fire officials reported.

Responding personnel quickly removed the firefighter from the water and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities have not released the name of the firefighter pending family notification.

The New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office is leading an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the firefighter entered the water and what safety measures were in place at the scene.

Fire department leaders and municipal officials expressed condolences to the firefighter’s family, colleagues and community as the department continues to support those affected by the loss.

Illinois fire department reports longer response times, crew fatigue after adding fourth ambulance

FHD Staff
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Illinois fire department reports longer response times, crew fatigue after adding fourth ambulance

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• An Illinois fire department reported increases in response times and crew fatigue after adding a fourth ambulance to its daily rotation.
• Officials said staffing and deployment challenges contributed to the extended response intervals.
• Firefighters and medics cited longer shifts and limited rest between runs as factors in fatigue.
• The department is evaluating adjustments to schedules and staffing to address performance concerns.

ILLINOIS — Fire department leaders in an Illinois community reported a noticeable rise in emergency response times and concerns about crew fatigue following the implementation of a fourth daily ambulance unit.

Anderson Fire Department ambulance.
City of Anderson/Facebook

Officials said the change was intended to expand emergency medical services coverage, but the department has tracked increases in the time it takes for units to arrive on scene for certain calls. Analysis by leadership attributed the delays to staffing constraints and the repositioning of resources to support the additional ambulance.

Personnel from both fire and EMS divisions reported that longer shifts and limited recovery time between calls have contributed to increased fatigue among crews. Command staff said fatigue management and personnel wellness are priorities as the department continues to monitor operational metrics.

The fire chief said the department is reviewing potential adjustments to duty schedules, staffing levels and deployment practices to balance service expansion with response performance and crew well-being.

Pennsylvania hospital roof fire prompts patient evacuation

FHD Staff
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Pennsylvania hospital roof fire prompts patient evacuation

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• A late-night hospital fire in Pennsylvania forced the evacuation of patients after flames were discovered on the roof of a medical facility.
• Fire crews conducted interior and exterior operations amid heavy smoke and high heat conditions.
• No serious injuries were reported; firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control.
• Fire officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

PENNSYLVANIA — Fire crews responded late Monday to a hospital fire in Pennsylvania that prompted the evacuation of patients and visitors after smoke and flames were reported on the facility’s roof.

Emergency dispatchers received the first call shortly before midnight, and fire units arrived to find visible fire conditions on the roof and smoke spreading through the upper floors of the building.

Hospital staff and first responders coordinated the safe evacuation of patients to designated staging areas outside the facility. Firefighters advanced hose lines and conducted roof and interior operations to contain and extinguish the blaze.

Fire officials said crews encountered challenging conditions, including heat and smoke that required defensive tactics and close coordination with hospital personnel.

No serious injuries to patients, staff or firefighters were reported. All evacuated occupants were accounted for, and medical teams evaluated individuals for smoke exposure as a precaution.

The fire department is leading an active investigation into the cause and origin of the fire, and the hospital’s operations were temporarily relocated while structural and smoke damage assessments continue.

Massive Cameron, Missouri, blaze destroys downtown businesses and apartments

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Massive Cameron, Missouri, blaze destroys downtown businesses and apartments

By MES Dispatch staff

The Briefing
• A large structure fire in downtown Cameron, Missouri, destroyed multiple businesses and apartment buildings, officials said.
• The blaze was reported about 2 p.m. Tuesday in the 100 block of West Third Street and quickly spread through several buildings.
• Firefighters from nine departments responded to the fast-moving fire under mutual aid agreements.
• No injuries or fatalities were reported; the cause remains under investigation.

CAMERON, MO — A significant structure fire broke out Tuesday afternoon in downtown Cameron, Missouri, destroying multiple commercial buildings and apartment units, officials said.

The blaze was reported about 2 p.m. in the 100 block of West Third Street, and first responders arrived within minutes, followed shortly by firefighters from the Cameron Fire Department.

Due to the size and intensity of the fire, mutual aid from eight additional fire departments was called in to assist with firefighting operations and prevent further spread.

Law enforcement agencies assisted by establishing traffic control and keeping bystanders at a distance while utility and city crews supported firefighting efforts.

Several businesses and apartment units were consumed or heavily damaged by the fire. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and the American Red Cross was assisting residents displaced by the blaze.

Cameron police and fire officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the scale of the response highlighted the importance of regional partnerships in managing large-scale emergencies.

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