06/17/2026
🚒 WHAT INVESTMENT IN FIREFIGHTERS LOOKS LIKE — AND WHAT HIGH POINT OWES ITS OWN 🚒
Last night, the City of Wilmington, NC, passed its FY26-27 budget — and it's a historic win for its firefighters and a lesson for every city in North Carolina.
Here's what Wilmington just committed to:
✅ Starting firefighter pay raised to over $58,000 — roughly $10,500 MORE than what High Point pays its starting firefighters
✅ An average pay increase of ~19.9% across the board
✅ Funding for Mission Ready Gear and new SCBAs
✅ A dedicated mental health therapist specifically for Fire and PD
✅ A new Technical Rescue Truck and Trailer
✅ Inflation adjustments and other investments in their people
Wilmington's leadership looked at their firefighters and said: YOU are worth investing in.
So we have to ask: where has High Point's investment been?
Our city accepted a SAFER grant this current fiscal year to hire 24 additional firefighters just to reach the four personnel assigned per apparatus — 12 years after a 2014 IAFF study said it was needed. Twelve years! And while we waited, the problems compounded: a paralyzing retention crisis, significant pay compression, and a steady erosion of competitive compensation and benefits.
High Point firefighters have been patient. They've shown up every shift, answered every call, and protected this community through it all. That patience has a limit, and that limit is now.
Here is what High Point Firefighters are calling on City Council and Mayor Cyril Jefferson and the City of High Point Government to deliver:
🔴 Fund the Special Separation Allowance for High Point Firefighters
🔴 Fund 401(k) parity with the High Point Police Department
🔴 Fund the Evergreen Pay Study Recommendations
🔴 Fund the fire apparatus debt service in full: (1) Ladder Truck, (1) Engine, and (1) Tanker
🔴 Fund the STO and Division Chief Positions
This isn't a wish list — it's what a city that values its firefighters looks like on paper. Wilmington, New Hanover, and Greensboro just proved it can be done. High Point, it's your turn.
International Association of Fire Fighters PFFPNC Professional Firefighters of Wilmington North Carolina Nhc Pffa
🚒 HISTORIC WIN FOR WILMINGTON FIREFIGHTERS 🚒
Tonight, the City of Wilmington officially approved a budget that includes a living wage for Wilmington firefighters.
For years, firefighters have served this city with pride while many struggled to afford the community they protect. With the approval of this budget, a firefighter’s starting salary after completing the academy will increase to over $58,000, marking a major step forward in recruiting, retaining, and supporting the dedicated men and women who answer the call every day.
This budget also includes funding for Mission Ready gear, helping ensure firefighters have the equipment they need to safely and effectively serve our community.
This is more than a pay increase, it’s an investment in public safety, our firefighters, and their families. It’s a recognition of the sacrifices made every day and a commitment to building a stronger fire department for the future.
Thank you to the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, city staff, and everyone who supported this effort. This is a historic moment for Wilmington Firefighters and a victory that will impact our department for generations to come.
International Association of Fire Fighters Prof. Firefighters Paramedics of NC WECT News WWAY News Port City Daily WHQR Public Media