Hinsdale Cops, Firefighters Get Raises

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale is increasing the starting salaries for police officers and firefighters, which an official said would improve recruitment.

On Tuesday, the Village Board unanimously voted for new union contracts for the police and fire departments. Trustee Luke Stifflear was absent.

The raises take effect May 1.

Under the police contract, the starting salary is rising to $82,500, from $78,162.

An officer with eight years of experience with the department is set to get $124,514. Over the next two years, officers will get 3 percent annual raises under the contract.

"I think everybody's happy with the outcome," Village President Tom Cauley said. "We want to make sure we get the best police candidates we can get."

For firefighters, the starting salary will be $74,311, up from $70,276. A firefighter with eight years of experience will receive $112,156. Three percent raises are planned for the next two years.

"We've had difficulty hiring new firefighters," Cauley said. "We have two open positions, and they have been open for a long time. I understand that a lot of you guys are working overtime. While overtime is good, I don't think you really like to work overtime all the time."

He asked firefighters in the audience whether he correctly described the new contract. They said yes.