First responders in Mobile are not receiving hazardous duty pay despite being forced to interact with the public during a pandemic.
Many are wondering why, especially since county first responders are receiving hazardous duty pay. Mobile County Sheriff Sam Cochran says deputies and corrections officers started receiving hazardous duty pay last week.
“It’s increased to time-and-a-half for those essential employees who have to have contact with the community because of the contagion within the community,” said Cochran.
Public Safety Director James Barber says even though a state of emergency has been declared, nonessential city employees have not been sent home, which can trigger hazardous duty pay for essential workers like first responders. The mayor says this issue is being reviewed and an update will be forthcoming.
“We’re reviewing that as we speak, and in the next day or so, 48 hours, we will be coming out with what our plan is,” said Stimpson.