By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
On the heels of a recent decision to move the Whitewater fire and rescue department away from its volunteer-driven roots, city officials have adopted a salary schedule for members.
The Common Council on July 7 amended the city’s salary schedule to include wages for members of the force, which was officially incorporated July 1.
While volunteer fire and EMS personnel will continue to serve as the backbone of the department — for now, at least — the city is easing in more routine personnel who will work on a full- and part-time basis.
The 42 members listed as volunteers will receive compensation of $12 per hour when called upon.
A series of more prominent positions have also been established. The fire chief will receive an hourly salary of $19, while the first and second assistant fire chiefs will receive $17 per hour.
As part of the incorporation process, eight other high-level positions have also been formalized. The department will employ four rescue squad lieutenants, each earning hourly salaries of $13. Also in the mix are three fire inspectors earning $15 per hour and a rescue squad captain receiving $13 per hour.
After a series of reviews the past few years by appointees of a task force, the council in June backed a plan to forge ahead and incorporate the fire and rescue agency, which will be known as Whitewater Fire Department Inc.
An interim agreement between the department and city is in place while both sides hammer out a longer-term arrangement. The interim document sunsets in March.
