Lexington Firefighters Local 1491

06/23/2026

Yesterday evening spoke during public comment at the Town of Lexington, MA Select Board meeting.

Nearly two years without a pay raise and nearly one year out of contract has pushed morale to a low point.

A few quotes from the speakers -

“Our question is simple:
Why is this Select Board ok with Lexington firefighters being compensated at the 35th percentile?

We are not here asking for sympathy. We are not here for words of appreciation.
Value is demonstrated through actions.”

“A Lexington firefighter can leave tomorrow and work in at least seven neighboring communities, facing the same risks and dangers while earning wages that allow them to live closer to where they work, pay their bills, support their families, and work one job instead of two or three.”

“Lexington needs to decide whether it wants to value and retain talented firefighters or whether it is content being the farm system for better-paying communities.”

“The last vacancy that was filled, only had one single applicant.”

“As I start to plan for retirement, I am very concerned for those who get appointed after I retire - how will they be able to provide for their families or able to afford to live close to where they work?”

“We know Lexington residents value their firefighters, it is beyond time for Town Hall to share that same value, through action and settling a fair contract.”

06/15/2026

The Town of Lexington, MA has adopted a compensation philosophy of targeting the 75th percentile of total compensation when compared to peer communities.

Chair Jill Hai Select Board Member spoke about this 75th percentile benchmark at the June 10th Fiscal Policy Summit.

According to the Town's own benchmark communities, Lexington firefighter compensation ranks in the 35th percentile.

The stated goal was to ensure Lexington remains equitable and competitive.

We agree.

Competitive compensation is essential to recruit and retain the highly trained firefighters who protect Lexington every day.

Recruitment and retention are not labor issues alone. They are public safety issues.

Lexington residents deserve exceptional emergency services. To continue providing those services, Lexington must be willing to invest in the firefighters who deliver them.

Exceptional Service. Below Average Pay.

It’s beyond time for Town Hall to value their firefighters and settle a fair contract.

06/13/2026

Yesterday participated in the Credit for Life Fair at Lexington High School.

Lexington Firefighters, along with Lexington Police, staffed a safety and security booth. Students where able to participate in a fire extinguisher and bleeding control simulation, as well as obtain information about fire safety and medical equipment.

Thank you to Lexington High School for including us in this event!

06/12/2026

In today’s LexObserver

“Value is demonstrated through actions. When employees go nearly a year without a contract and almost two years without a raise, it sends a message about how their work is valued.

Lexington residents expect exceptional public safety services, and our firefighters are proud to deliver them. But attracting and retaining highly trained firefighters becomes increasingly difficult when compensation does not keep pace with neighboring communities or the rising cost of living.”

"Value is demonstrated through actions. When employees go nearly a year without a contract and almost two years without a raise, it sends a message about how their work is valued."

06/11/2026

Local 1491 is proud to sponsor two Lexington MA Little League teams this season.

This week attended both the Grasshoppers and Mud Hens games, and are happy to announce both teams won!

We wish the Mud Hens luck as they continue on to their second playoff game!

06/10/2026

respond to all hazards in the community. One of today’s responses required the involvement of our regional Hazardous Materials Team, which two Lexington firefighters are members of.

06/09/2026

Yesterday evening, held a public standout in Lexington Center and spoke before the Town of Lexington, MA Select Board.

After nearly one year without a contract and almost two years without a pay raise, many firefighters are questioning how Town officials value public safety and the professionals who provide it.

An overwhelming majority of our off-duty members chose to spend additional time away from their families to advocate for a fair contract and the future of the Lexington Fire Department.

We are grateful to the many residents who stopped to speak with us, honked in support, and shared words of encouragement. Your support reinforces what we already know… Lexington residents value their firefighters.

It’s time for Town Hall to demonstrate that same value through action.

06/07/2026

Below average pay. Exceptional service.

Every day, deliver the professional emergency services that residents expect and deserve. We respond to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous incidents, and everything in between, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

But exceptional service alone is not enough to recruit and retain exceptional firefighters.

Across Massachusetts, fire departments are competing for a limited pool of qualified candidates. Firefighters have choices about where they work and where they build their careers. When compensation falls behind neighboring communities, retaining experienced firefighters and attracting the next generation becomes increasingly difficult.

Lexington deserves the best firefighters. To maintain the level of service our community expects, the Town of Lexington, MA must demonstrate that it values the men and women who provide it.

Below average pay is not a long-term recruitment and retention strategy.

06/03/2026

🚨 700 days without a pay raise. 🚨

Record inflation. Rising costs. No contract.

Yet continue to answer every call, every day.

We do not stop showing up for Lexington.

It's time for the Town of Lexington, MA to recognize the value of the firefighters who show up every day and negotiate a fair contract that keeps pace with the realities facing working families.

06/02/2026

**Press Release – Engine Co. 2 Struck by Motor Vehicle on Route 24**

During the early morning hours of June 2, Engine Co. 2 was operating at the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving a State Police cruiser. While firefighters were working to secure the scene, Engine Co. 2 was positioned on the highway with all emergency warning lights activated to protect responders and the public.

Approximately 20 minutes later, and without warning, Engine Co. 2 was struck from behind by a motor vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.

Fortunately, no firefighters were injured. However, Engine Co. 2 sustained significant damage and had to be towed from the scene.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers first responders face every day while operating on our roadways. Firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, tow operators, and highway workers all depend on drivers to remain alert and obey Move Over laws.

Today, we were fortunate that no one was seriously injured or killed. The outcome could have been much different.

When approaching an emergency scene:

🚨 Slow Down
🚨 Move Over When Safe to Do So
🚨 Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions

Help us make sure everyone goes home safely at the end of their shift.





Chief Lincoln Thibeault