Winston-Salem Seeks Boost For Police Officers, Firefighters

Winston-Salem police officers and firefighters could be getting a boost in pay.

Starting salaries for the police and fire departments are seven to ten percent  lower than other agencies in the Triad, according to City Manager Lee Garrity. And turnover in both departments is high.

Garrity says his staff has been working with the police and fire chiefs for the last two months to come up with a plan. 

But he says it will take time.

“It will take money, and it's a matter of how much money we can find in the budget to potentially phase it in or how much we can bite off in one chunk.”

Assistant police chief Scott Bricker says officers are leaving not just for bigger cities but for local agencies that pay better, like Kernersville. He says the department loses valuable experience whenever an officer decides to leave.

“When we have an officer of, let's say five or six years that's worked a particular district in town, you can't replace the contacts, and the associates and the relationships that the officer has already established.”

If approved by the city council, the salary boost could have an impact on about 700 police officers and firefighters. Garrity says he expects to present a preliminary plan to the city public safety committee next month.