A recent study revealed Frederick County firefighters are paid less and receive less benefits than those in nearby counties.
The study, completed in November and released publicly last week, is an analysis of pay scales, benefit comparisons and how large each county’s fire services division is
Multiple county officials this week said that although Frederick County pays its firefighters less, other jurisdictions — like Montgomery County and Baltimore County, both used in the more-than-100-page study — have both larger populations and tax bases to pull money from.
Stephen Jones, president of the Career Firefighters Association of Frederick County Local 3666, said he understands the county has limited funds, but added Frederick County firefighters often leave for the Maryland counties included in the study — mostly for higher pay and better post-retirement benefits.
“We understand that we don’t have the tax base and the money to pay firefighters the same as Howard County, Maryland,” Jones said. “But is there something we can do to get us more competitive to bring us closer and be competitive in the region?”