As salaries of Chief Officers continue to raise some eyebrows and the differential for each rank promotion becomes increasingly appealing, the focus on union involvement turns somewhat ironic.

Some locals have expressed frustration in their inability to attract interested parties to serve as union officials due to the increased attention surrounding promotions and advancement through the ranks.  Clearly, the NJFMBA supports and encourages all of it’s’ members to study, compete and advance to higher ranks.  An educated fire service is a safer and more effective fire service.

It is because the “union” supports the advancement of its membership and advocates for the just compensation for additional responsibilities that causes the “union” to be sold short at times.  At what point do the laws of diminishing returns catch up with us and leave a void in the very foundation that has made advancement so lucrative.

Where’s the irony?

Absent the union, Firefighters’ salaries and benefits and that of Fire Officers and Chief Officers would not be as attractive as they are.  We must remember as we move up the ladder that the “union” and more importantly the union officials need the support of Officers, especially Chief Officers so they may continue to sustain our way of life, our wage increases and our pensions and benefits.

So as we advance, it is even more important for us to recognize how we arrive and why it is so financially rewarding to get there.  Union meetings, negotiation appointments, legislative sessions and conventions are about the business of protecting not only what firefighters enjoy rather what every member of the fire service enjoys.

I have been fortunate enough to work for Chief Officers who support the union and the labor movement.  Extra efforts to provide time to members, to do the work of our membership should be significant.  Those who resent the union and the time needed to protect the professional fire service are short-sighted. 

Make no mistake; any success of the Firefighter’s union is the success of every Officer and every Chief.  Unity and support should not be turned on and off.  We can disagree without being disagreeable.  The union must appreciate the position of management. Likewise, management should never dismiss the union and its point of view.  Forgetting the role of the union, and the absolute need to hold government accountable without prejudice, is a prescription for disaster.

Study hard, advance and lead, but when you arrive remember officers make great union members and leaders too.