The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Saying thanks with more than words
Village police, firefighters to receive supplemental pandemic pay
Fairport Harbor Village police and firefighters will receive a temporary and modest increase in hourly pay for their efforts during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Village Council recently approved the measure to recognize the commitment shown and sacrifices made by police and firefighters in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The resolution, passed by council during an April 21 meeting held remotely by video conference, is providing village fire and police personnel with a pandemic pay supplement of $1.50 per hour for each hour worked in addition to their regular annual salaries and/or hourly wages.
“These (supplemental) wages shall apply only to regular or overtime hours,” the resolution states. “Time paid with sick, holiday, vacation or compensated time shall not receive the pandemic pay supplement.”
When Fairport Harbor police or firefighters work overtime, they’ll be paid at their regular overtime rate, but pandemic pay will stay at $1.50 per hour.
Pandemic pay for the village’s first responders will be awarded retroactively to March 16, and continues through June 21, “or until the ordinance is rescinded or changed by council,” the resolution states.
In the resolution, council notes that it recognizes “the significant threat posed to (the village’s) first-line emergency responders by the COVID-19 virus and wants to reward and acknowledge their dedication and sacrifice and continue to encourage their work participation for the village and its residents.”
Village Mayor Timothy Manross, during the April 21 meeting, pointed out that two full-time Fairport Harbor firefighters have voluntarily decided not to work part-time jobs during COVID-19 to be more available to the village.
“The bump in (supplemental) pay is in no way meant to replace that, but it is our humble way of saying a little more than just the words thank-you to those who are on the front lines,” he said.
Fire Chief Bob Lloyd also applauded the decision.
“The pandemic pay was a great gesture by the village to show some appreciation to all of our members, part time and full time, who continue to come and work to protect our residents,” he said.