To the editor: I understand the need for such a critical social service as the Fire Department. But I have lately been feeling it is an exclusive fiefdom that is taking advantage of this need (“L.A. voters will be asked to increase taxes, yet again. Will they do it for firefighters?” June 23). Here are my observations.
Including benefits, the average total compensation for a career firefighter in California is around $239,000 per year, with senior personnel frequently exceeding $300,000 annually.
The department has been accused of nepotism, in which these choice jobs are handed down through generations.
Some firefighters live out of state and do “shift trading” to combine their 24-hour shifts, then fly back home, taking their salary to be spent in states like Idaho and others. I say if you work for L.A. fire, you need to at least live in California.
The firefighters’ union argues the funding is desperately needed to reverse decades of underinvestment. I say before we hand over more of our hard-earned money, it is time for a transparent audit of the department. We need an independent Board of Fire Commissioners. We need to review the department’s salary structure, hiring practices and employment rules.
Walter Grand, Agoura Hills
