Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) staff are voicing their concerns over significantly lower pay compared to neighboring counties, arguing that the current pay structure undermines their critical role in public safety and endangers the community.

Public records reveal that despite agreements to improve salaries, BCFR firefighters and paramedics remain grossly underpaid, especially when compared to the average pay in neighboring counties.

A comparison of top-out pay highlights the stark discrepancies. For instance, BCFR Firefighter EMTs earn $56,133, while their counterparts in Seminole, St. Lucie, Osceola, and Indian River counties earn an average of $78,689—a 28.5% difference. Similar gaps exist across all ranks, from firefighter paramedics to fire inspectors, leading to widespread discontent among BCFR staff.

Mean Top Out Pay of Seminole, St. Lucie, Osceola, Indian River
– Firefighter EMT: $78,689 – BCFR: $56,133
– Firefighter Paramedic: $92,019 – BCFR: $67,322
– Lieutenant EMT: $98,343 – BCFR: $68,544
– Lieutenant Medic: $107,078 – BCFR: $78,292
– Fire Inspector: $93,632 – BCFR: $59,801

A BCFR member for 16 years who is HAZMAT certified and Technical Rescue trained commented, “My hourly pay is $23 an hour. In order to support my family, I have to work a ton of overtime. This 2 week pay cycle I am working over 170 hours. As we speak, I had to call my mortgage company to push back my due date because I can’t afford to pay that and the electric bill. Cost of living is out of hand and we are not keeping up with it.”

He continued, “We love our job, we love serving the people of Brevard County and we are willing to protect the citizens with our lives and sacrifice our mental and physical health for the people of this community. We would just like to make a sustainable wage that keeps up with the increased living expenses.”

Residents also commented on a post by Titusville Crime News, sparking residents to question the County Commissioners, “Not enough $ for what they do and the danger they encounter,” a local resident stated, echoing the sentiments of many others.

One resident responded to the post commenting, “I make $13 at mcdonalds and I don’t have to risk my life everyday $15 for a first responder is crazy.” James Plemmons, who turned down a job with BCFR due to low pay, remarked, “With the stress on paramedics and the number of calls they are turning, not to mention the mental impact, it’s not worth it.”

Many residents expressed their frustration with the county’s handling of the issue. Robin Elaine Wingate-Spear stated, “They risk their lives on the roads… definitely need a pay raise!!!”

Residents also pointed out the broader implications of low firefighter pay. “People flipping burgers and working Walmart/Target jobs are making more money than your healthcare workers,” a Brevard resident noted.

Brevard County is at a critical juncture. The BCFR union is currently negotiating with the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), with many employees considering leaving if the contract does not offer fair pay and improved conditions. The CARES Act provided temporary relief, but long-term solutions are needed to prevent a public safety crisis.

The community is rallying behind the firefighters and paramedics. Stel Bailey, a local community advocate urged, “Come join us on July 9th at 5:00 p.m. for the county commission meeting to support our heroes. Don’t forget to wear yellow! Before that, there will be a rally outside with signs starting at 3:30 p.m.”

For those unable to attend the meeting, John Shurger suggested sending emails to the Brevard County Commissioners. “The commissioners were elected to serve their constituents, the citizens of Brevard County. Please reach out and let your voice be heard,” he said. Send the Brevard County Board an email here.

With residents and BCFR staff united in their call for fair compensation, the hope is that increased public pressure will lead to meaningful changes that ensure the safety and well-being of both firefighters and the residents they serve.

The next county commission meeting will be held on July 9 at 5:00 p.m. in Viera, at 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Melbourne, FL 32940.