With the Buffalo Grove Fire Department anticipating a leadership change this summer, the Village Board approved an amendment to the emergency responders’ union contract, allowing for a wage increase.
The contract between the village and the Buffalo Grove Professional Firefighter/Paramedic Association Local 3177, IAFF, AFL-CIO was approved last year and is effective May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2025.
The three-year agreement was put in place – instead of a longer term – in anticipation of leadership changes at the fire department this summer, officials explained.
However, according to terms of the contract, village leaders are able to amend the pact to allow for pay increases. That is what the Village Board approved at its April 15 meeting.
The contract calls for a 2.02% pay increase effective May 1, 2023, for the first year of the contract, recognizing the minimum entrance salary at $71,986 and the maximum salary, exclusive of overtime, is $117,361 for firefighter/paramedics.
“While our firefighter union contract is often for a three-year term, parties agreed that a two-year contract in 2023 would be appropriate given the upcoming leadership transition,” village spokeswoman Molly Gillespie, stated in an email to Pioneer Press. “The shorter term will allow our incoming chief the opportunity to get settled in his position and bring any new priorities to the table when the next contract is on the horizon.”
Fire Chief Mike Baker is scheduled to retire July 14. Baker has worked for 34 years in the fire service industry, joining the Buffalo Grove Fire Department as deputy chief in 2013. He was promoted to fire chief in 2015.
Current Deputy Chief Lawrence “Larry” Kane is expected to be appointed the new chief effective July 15.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelancer.