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Stephanie Wiechmann
Through separate union agreements, both police officers and firefighters in Muncie would see a 10% salary increase in 2024. Jason Chafin is union president of Muncie Firefighters Local 1348. He says Muncie Fire Department is the state's busiest per capita, but for pay, they are 79th out of about 115 departments.

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Jason Chafin
Using 2023 statistics, we're going to be 26. And that's a big jump.

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Stephanie Wiechmann
The new union agreement for firefighters also includes a lateral transfer program for both firefighters and paramedics. Brandon Qualls heads the Gregg Winters Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 87, in Muncie. He says the department has seen a steady, drastic decrease in applicants over the last few years.

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Brandon Qualls
This last hiring process that we, put forth, there was only one candidate that came out of it. And then he didn't accept our offer and went to another agency that pays more.

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Stephanie Wiechmann
Deputy Police Chief Chris Deegan says the increase should put base pay several thousand dollars above other local law enforcement agencies. Both union agreements have been ratified by police and fire employees. Now the Muncie City Council needs to consider them beginning at the September meeting. In Muncie. Stephanie Wiechmann, IPR news.