Firefighters OK four-year pact

I wouldn't count the equipment/clothing money as income, that's the problem. When you add that into your take-home, it makes it look like you are earning more money than you actually are. IT IS NOT SALARY - it is supposed to be reflective of the actual costs to maintain uniforms, etc. If you keep using it for other things, and it is obvious that you don't need that much for uniforms, you will lose it.

Thanks man for your honesty and response. I am a four year TROOP and I have read several comments on here about how much less we make than you all do when someone suggest our agency. I knew we started out horribly in comparison, but I didn't think that the pay increase rate could be matched and now I know. Now to shock all of you readres. To the best of my calculations $22.00 an hour equates to an annual gross income of $42,240with KLEP. I am a four year TROOP and my exact annual gross income including KLEP is $45,724. Thats a $3,484 dollar difference with one less year. I know you all make bank on over time and I'm sure he's making up the difference plus some. Some of our percs include some federal overtime, $5.00 dollar a day per diem for uniform maintence (usually equals about $80-$100 bucks a month) and a litle thing called C-TIME. I will probably never have to use a sick or vacation day when I want to take off and that time gets cashed in on retirement. Being that I don't live in Jefferson County, I'd say it's safe to say that my cost of living is considerably lower. Just food for thought for you young guys, we are needing some good personnel. I think in the current Academy class we've lost almost 30 cadets.

P.S. I get another $1,000 raise next month and love who I work for from top to bottom!