Salisbury Releases Firefighter Compensation Details Amid Staffing Concerns

City responds to union's claims of short staffing and high turnover in the fire department.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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After a week of back-and-forth between the Salisbury Professional Firefighters union and the City of Salisbury regarding short staffing in the fire department, the city has released a statement outlining firefighter compensation plans, benefits, and upcoming employee reviews. The city acknowledges the union's concerns but says it has been responsive to issues raised by fire personnel.

Why it matters

The dispute over staffing levels and compensation in Salisbury's fire department highlights the ongoing challenges many municipalities face in recruiting and retaining first responders. The city's detailed response aims to address the union's claims and demonstrate its commitment to supporting firefighters, but the back-and-forth suggests lingering tensions that could impact public safety.

The details

The city's statement provides an overview of firefighter compensation and benefits, including overtime pay, training opportunities that can increase salaries, and recent investments in the department such as new fire trucks and a decontamination facility. It also notes that the fire department has been the subject of multiple compensation reviews in recent years, leading to pay increases for dozens of firefighters.

  • On Feb. 13, the Salisbury Professional Firefighters chapter released a statement about Ladder 3 being taken out of service due to short staffing.
  • On Feb. 17, Mayor Tamara Sheffield addressed the staffing concerns at a City Council meeting, expressing disappointment in 'inflammatory statements' that she claimed were false.
  • On Feb. 18, the Salisbury Professional Firefighters shared another statement rebutting the mayor's comments and stating that over 70 firefighters have left the department since 2022, with three already leaving this calendar year.
  • On Feb. 20, the City of Salisbury published a statement responding to the union's concerns and providing details on firefighter compensation and staffing.

The players

Salisbury Professional Firefighters

The union representing firefighters in Salisbury, North Carolina, which has raised concerns about short staffing and high turnover in the fire department.

City of Salisbury

The local government of Salisbury, North Carolina, which has responded to the union's claims by providing details on firefighter compensation, benefits, and staffing levels.

Tamara Sheffield

The mayor of Salisbury, North Carolina, who addressed the staffing concerns at a City Council meeting and expressed disappointment in 'inflammatory statements' from the union.

Jim Greene

The city manager of Salisbury, North Carolina, who annually reviews city employee compensation prior to the budget season.

Anne Little

The community engagement director for the City of Salisbury, who provided details on firefighter work schedules and overtime.

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What they’re saying

“To imply city leadership has not responded to concerns is simply untrue. Not only is city leadership concerned with issues raised by fire personnel, but they are concerned with issues impacting all employees who provide critically important services to our community.”

— City of Salisbury (salisburypost.com)

“Salisbury's firefighter work schedule and overtime align with the Fair Labor Standards for Firefighters. A normal work schedule over a year includes 121 days on-duty, totaling 2,904 hours of annual work.”

— Anne Little, Community Engagement Director (salisburypost.com)

What’s next

The Salisbury Professional Firefighters anticipate making another statement over the weekend in response to the city's statement.

The takeaway

This dispute over firefighter staffing and compensation in Salisbury highlights the ongoing challenges many municipalities face in recruiting and retaining first responders. The city's detailed response aims to address the union's concerns, but the back-and-forth suggests lingering tensions that could impact public safety if not resolved.