Salisbury, NC (Friday, February 20, 2026) - The City of Salisbury recognizes and respects the concerns that have been raised involving staffing levels within the Salisbury Fire Department. Our firefighters perform demanding work under significant pressure, and the city understands the impact these demands have on their safety, well-being, and ability to serve the community effectively. To imply City leadership has not responded to concerns is simply untrue. Not only is City leadership concerned with issues raised by fire personnel, but they are concerned with issues impacting all employees who provide critically important services to our community.
In 2020 fire department staffing was increased by 9 positions. In July 2025 a Fire Inspector position was added. The City continues to take steps to strengthen staffing in the department through receipt of a federal SAFER grant to fund six additional firefighters who have been hired and are currently completing rookie school. Position over hires were also approved to reduce overtime which is built into the existing schedule. Firefighters work 144 hours plus 13 holidays which results in approximately $4,200 of overtime per year (amounts fluctuate depending on salaries). While the nature of the schedule includes built-in overtime, overtime is incurred most often by voluntary hire backs.
Over the past few years, the Fire Department has undergone four separate compensation reviews, more than any other department except the Police Department. In 2021, a consultant conducted a department-specific review that led to additional increases for firefighters. That same consultant later completed a citywide compensation study, which provided pay increases to 101 General Fund employees, including adjustments for 48 of the City’s 87 fire personnel. Most recently, in 2025, the Fire Department was the only department to receive a standalone compensation study, resulting in pay adjustments for 10 firefighters in the FY 2026 budget. These adjustments were in addition to the nearly 22% in salary increases approved for all employees over the past four years.
Council’s support for the Fire Department was also evident in the construction of new Fire Station 3, a $9 million station and emergency operation center that opened in October. Council also supported the department through the allocation of $5,126,094 for the purchase of four new fire trucks, $1.4 million for a new decontamination addition at Station 2, added cancer screenings and improved on-site physicals. Fire personnel also have more opportunities for education and career incentives than those offered to other employees. Fire personnel are eligible to receive the following certifications and the associated compensation:
- Hazardous Material Technician: 2.5% added to base salary
- Fire Officer II: $600 annually
- Fire Officer III: $300 annually
- Fire and Rescue Instructor II: $300 annually
- Life Safety Educator I: $360 annually
- Fire Prevention Services Inspector 1: $300 annually
- Fire Prevention Services Inspector II: $420 annually
- Engine Technician: 5% added to base salary
- Ladder Technician: 5% added to base salary
- Advanced Company Crew Lead: 5% added to base salary
Each year, City Manager Jim Greene reviews compensation for nearly 500 City employees because every member of our workforce plays an essential role in serving our community. As the FY 2027 budget process begins, compensation will once again be evaluated for all employees.
Mr. Greene regularly meets with City staff and encourages employees to communicate openly with their supervisors and department directors. This ongoing engagement ensures concerns are addressed through established leadership channels and helps employees play a meaningful role in shaping the budget process.
The City remains committed to supporting all employees while prioritizing the safety of our firefighters and the residents we serve. We will continue to deliver reliable public safety services and take thoughtful, responsible steps to strengthen staffing and support the entire organization.
The City of Salisbury is located in the heart of the Piedmont region of North Carolina, midway between Charlotte and Greensboro. Salisbury is the county seat of Rowan County, and provides a full range of municipal services, including law enforcement, fire service protection, zoning and code enforcement and water and sewer systems. For more information regarding the City of Salisbury and its services and departments, please visit us on the web at www.salisburync.gov. To receive updates regarding local initiatives, meetings, programs and events, please follow us on X at @CitySalisburyNC and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CitySalisburyNC.