Michigan Policy Group Sues City Seeking Names of Firefighter High Earners

A public policy watchdog group has filed suit against City of Warren, Michigan seeking the names of firefighters who are among the city’s high-wage earners. The city previously released the pay of its employees in response to a public records request, but refused to provide the associated names.

The Mackinac Center filed suit claiming the city is required under the state’s public records law to release the names. According to its website “The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for free-market approaches to public policy that free people to realize their potential and their dreams.”

According to the Detroit News, three fire department employees earned just over $200,000 last year, and three more earned $190,000 to $200,000.

Incidentally, Warren is a suburb of Detroit… and speaking Detroit… the Detroit Fire Department is in the news again for a crash involving an impaired firefighter, this time a battalion chief.  Dave Statter has more on the story.

Recall last week, Squad 6 was reportedly at a party at Engine 50’s quarters when they were dispatched to a medical emergency. As they arrived they struck a parked vehicle. The driver of Squad 6 was suspended for being impaired. More on that story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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