My Position: Fund our Firefighters
“Our city is facing a crisis with substance use disorder, and our dedicated Bangor Fire Department is on the front lines, saving lives. We need all hands on deck, but we’re allowing our firefighters to burn out due to being overworked and underpaid.
Bangor Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 772 requested ARPA funds a year ago to help relieve this stress and boost retention/recruitment but were ignored. Two months ago, they pleaded with City Council, only to be rejected. We’re losing these heroes to better-paying cities, and some are leaving the profession altogether. Overdose deaths will increase again with fewer dedicated firefighters and first responders to life-threatening emergencies. It’s unjust that those saving lives on a daily basis are shouldering a financial burden due to underpayment compared to surrounding communities.
We must provide our first responders with the support they need to thrive. As a City Councilor, I pledge to make our first responders a top funding priority.”