
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, March 29, 1994                   TAG: 9403290090
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By DAVID M. POOLE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FIREFIGHTERS WANT COMPENSATION FOR MEDICAL CALLS

The Roanoke Firefighters Association packed a City Council meeting Monday to request a permanent pay increase if firefighters are to continue responding to emergency medical calls.

City Manager Bob Herbert recommended postponing action on the request until October, when a task force is expected to complete a long-range plan for medical response services in the city.

Herbert said firefighter pay is only one of many issues the task force will consider.

The panel will recommend changes in emergency medical services provided by various emergency personnel: volunteer rescue squad members, paid paramedics, and firefighters.

With its large turnout Monday, the Roanoke Firefighters Association - a well-organized group active in city elections - made it clear that it will fight to protect its interest in any reorganization of emergency medical services.

Council members appeared to get the message.

Mayor David Bowers, who won a close nomination battle in 1992 with the help of firefighters, urged the city administration to act as quickly as possible on the association's request.

Since 1991, some 42 firefighters have received monthly stipends of $100 for responding to some medical calls in addition to their regular duties.

The stipends were to end this month, but Herbert said they would continue at least until the task force completes its work.

by CNB