Lexington residents deserve to understand what is at stake in the ongoing contract dispute between the Town and its firefighters.


This discussion is not simply about wages. It is about whether Lexington can continue to attract and retain the highly trained firefighters and paramedics that residents expect to respond when they call 911.


According to the Town’s own compensation analysis, Lexington firefighters rank at just the 35th percentile in total compensation, including health insurance, when compared to neighboring communities such as Bedford, Belmont, Burlington, Concord, Natick, Needham, and Watertown. At the same time, the Select Board has adopted a compensation philosophy that aims to place Town employees near the 75th percentile of comparable communities.


The question is simple: Why is that standard being applied to some employees but not to Lexington firefighters? Do Town leaders not value their firefighters?


The consequences are already becoming apparent. Fire departments across Massachusetts are competing for a shrinking pool of qualified candidates. Firefighters and paramedics are increasingly choosing communities that offer more competitive compensation. Since Lexington has fallen behind, recruitment is almost nonexistent, experienced firefighters are leaving, and staffing challenges are growing. We are reaching the point of a public safety crisis.


That is why it was refreshing to hear School Superintendent Dr. Julie Hackett speak at the June 10th Fiscal Policy Summit about the importance of competitive compensation for Lexington teachers. Dr. Hackett acknowledged that teacher salaries are falling behind those of comparable communities and warned that this will affect the district’s ability to recruit and retain the best educators.


The same principle applies to firefighters. Whether we are talking about teachers in a classroom or firefighters responding to a cardiac arrest, a house fire, or a serious motor vehicle crash, Lexington should strive to attract and retain the very best public servants. Competitive compensation is not a luxury. It is an investment in the quality of services residents receive every day.


If the Town truly believes in a compensation philosophy centered on competitiveness and retention, then that philosophy should apply to all employees, including the firefighters who protect this community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Rob Green
President
Lexington Fire Fighters Local 1491

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