Where's the fairness for firefighters?

As the wife of a Memphis firefighter, I'd be remiss in not writing about the outrage committed at City Council last week (Dec. 22 article, "Memphis council staffers get big raises").

Taking nothing away from the council staff who help prepare our elected officials for long days in meeting rooms, it is ridiculous that they make so much money to begin with -- and to learn that they are getting raises is insulting.

This year my husband and all other Memphis firefighters had to fight tooth and nail for meager pay increases. They were stonewalled often and told that the city just couldn't find the money. Finally they got a small increase, but nothing comparable to their worth.

He and hundreds of other firefighters put their lives on the line every day for less than the council secretaries were making before their raises. Granted, council director Lisa Geater and deputy director Pamela Crisplip may get paper cuts on the job, but my husband could die.

Not only does the city undervalue the firefighters, its officials claim not to have money to update the antiquated equipment used by the firefighters.

How out of touch are the two council members who slyly put this deal together? Joe Brown and Edmund Ford do nothing to help repair the intense feelings of mistrust Memphis citizens have for city government.

Given the financial woes of the city right now, finding out that these women are getting such significant pay increases is a slap in the face to the citizens who accommodate their lifestyles.

Ashley Harris
Memphis