VIDEO: The Charleston Fire chief says calls for service in the department increased 11 percent this year to pre-pandemic levels. Even with the increase in call volume, some say the pay they’re getting isn’t enough to live in the city of Charleston.
John Baker, who is the secretary of Charleston Firefighters Association Local 61, said it’s hard to live and work in Charleston with the current wages they’re getting.
“We want people to live in the community they serve,” Baker said.
Starting Jan. 28, an entry-level firefighter/EMT in Charleston will be making $12.88 cents an hour, which is up 50 cents from before, according to Baker. Here in Charleston, the chief said they work 24-hour shifts, and then they get 48 hours off. Baker said they have to work a minimum of 106 hours to get overtime.