Firefighters union urges Colorado Springs to address staffing, aging equipment in 2027 budget
A Local 5 representative cited 126 departures over three years and a 30-year-old frontline vehicle, while questioning whether proposed pay and apparatus funding would meet the department’s needs.
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A representative of Colorado Springs Professional Firefighters Local 5 urged City Council to prioritize firefighter retention and aging equipment in the city’s 2027 budget, citing 126 departures over three years and a frontline vehicle he said is 30 years old, according to his remarks at the Oct. 26 council meeting.
The representative said the 126 departures from 2024 through 2026 included retirements and other reasons for leaving. He separately reported that five firefighters left for other in-state departments in 2024, 10 in 2025 and 11 so far in 2026. He said a proposed average pay increase of about 4.9% would not close the department’s pay gap with Front Range peers.
On equipment, the representative said the proposed $3.9 million for fire apparatus would support only a 17-year replacement cycle. The department’s 2022 self-assessment manual says it uses a 17-year replacement plan for apparatus and support vehicles, describing it as a scheduling and budgeting tool.
Council members discussed whether an additional percentage point for firefighters could signal the city’s commitment, but did not approve a change at the hearing.
The city’s 2027 budget page labels the proposal preliminary. A City Council agenda planner scheduled budget markup for Oct. 29.