Overtime for Firefighters

Re “ ‘Overtime Culture’ Pays Off for Firefighters,” May 28:

How is it we don’t bat an eye when we hear of sports stars and celebrities earning millions upon millions for playing ball, or decent acting, but when it comes to paying those who protect our lives and property, well now, that is a whole different story.

Granted, based on the information in your article, the overtime pay issue needs to be addressed. The stacking of shifts is a safety hazard. But I feel L.A. is entitled to have the highest-paid firefighters in the country. If anything our cops also merit higher pay as well. When will this country get its priorities straight? Attacking firefighters’ pay scale will only bring the quality of service down, like it has done in tax-base-starved cities in the Northeast.

STEPHEN W. MARTIN

Los Angeles

Whether the city and county are wasting taxpayer money on excessive overtime is for the bean counters to decide. However, an important issue has been overlooked that should tip the scales toward resolution.

Hiring 500 to 600 new firefighters is more than an internal budget review for the departments. A new hiring policy affects many more lives and has broader fiscal impact than on just the fire departments. As the new firefighters leave their present jobs, those jobs must be filled, etc.; it means 500-600 men and women are off the unemployment and welfare rolls, which saves taxpayers.

The issue is not just about money. It is about people getting a chance to make a new life, a career. There is a waiting list a mile long to grab such an opportunity.

JOHN F. NICHOLSON

Woodland Hills