The City of Raleigh, NC has an issue with firefighter retention mostly due to firefighters leaving to other cities with more robust benefits or leaving the firefighting profession altogether. The last firefighter position added in Raleigh was in 2014 which has led Raleigh to have less firefighters serving in 2025 than 2014.  As we have grown as a city, we are less protected from fire emergencies.

The Raleigh Professional Firefighters Association has petitioned to City Council to provide a separation allowance for retirees though, this request has not been shown the urgent priority it deserves. 

What is Separation Allowance?

Separation Allowance provides financial support between retirement and age 62. This benefit is crucial for helping those who serve us navigate the physical and emotional challenges that come with aging, especially after a career that demands so much. Unlike police officers, who have had this benefit since 1987, firefighters currently do not receive the same level of support when they retire, despite facing greater physical demands and health risks.

Many Firefighters experience severe health risks in retirement and die early. Firefighters have an exponentially higher risk of CANCER due to the job-related conditions of hazardous smoke and firefighting gear which contains PFAS, a known carcinogenic.  Currently there are 44 vacancies with over 60 expected by this fall with an average of two (2) firefighters leaving service in Raleigh each week to seek employment elsewhere.

Why is Separation Allowance important to our Firefighters?

At the core of our society, firefighters embody courage, dedication, and selflessness. They selflessly protect our families and livelihoods.  Their work is not only physically demanding, but it also comes with immense emotional and health risks. Firefighters serve our communities, often at the risk of their own well-being, making it imperative that we support them as they transition into retirement.

Approving the Separation Allowance for Raleigh's firefighters is about honoring the sacrifices they make every day. It’s about ensuring that after years of service and dedication, they receive the same support and benefits as their counterparts in law enforcement. Separation Allowance is not just a financial benefit; it’s an acknowledgment of the physical toll firefighting takes on the human body and the risks it brings. It’s about fairness, equity, and respect.

Why is this Important to the citizens of Raleigh?

Separation Allowance would help retain seasoned firefighters, ensuring the City of Raleigh can recruit, train, and retain talent while managing long-term workforce planning. It provides firefighters with a financial bridge between retirement and age 62, ensuring they are not financially burdened during the physically and emotionally taxing years that follow a lifetime of service.

With easily sustainable funding through property and sales tax adjustments, this benefit can be responsibly incorporated into the city’s budget. A minor increase in property or sales tax would cover the cost, and the city would benefit from better retirement planning, reduced use of sick leave, and improved workforce morale.

Why should you sign this, Petion?

Raleigh’s firefighters are asking for parity—fair treatment by receiving the same Separation Allowance that Raleigh’s police officers have enjoyed for decades. This is not just about numbers; it’s about acknowledging the unique sacrifices firefighters make and ensuring that they, too, are supported in their transition to retirement.

Supporting the Separation Allowance for Raleigh’s firefighters is about fairness, health, respect, and most importantly, the Safety of Raleigh. It’s an investment in the future of our community and fire department, ensuring that those who protect us are protected in return when they retire. Let's give Raleigh's firefighters the same benefits they truly deserve and need.

How else can you support this cause? 

• Visit the Local 548 webpage and send a message directly to City Council: Send a message directly to your Council
• March 10th, 2025: Show up to the City Council Budget Work Session wearing Red to show support for Separation Allowance (No comments will be allowed at this meeting) Raleigh Municipal Building (RMB)
• March 11th, 2025: Attend or Sign-up to speak at the City Council Public Comment Session. View Agenda or register to speak