Mount Prospect comes to terms with fire union

Mount Prospect and its firefighters union have agreed on a new contract.

The collective bargaining agreement with Mount Prospect Firefighters International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4119, effective as of Jan. 1, 2025, expires at the end of 2027.

The contract calls for a 4% increase in 2025, a 3.5% increase in 2026 and a 3% increase in 2027. The overall impact on the village budget is nearly $2 million.

Starting pay for a firefighter paramedic is $79,000 in 2025. Top grade is $118,000. Base pay for a lieutenant paramedic in 2025 is $134,000.

Fire Chief John Dolan said increases in the compensation package ensure Mount Prospect firefighters and lieutenants remain near the top when compared with eight area municipalities.

Only Arlington Heights pays more than Mount Prospect in 2025 to firefighters, village officials said.

Dolan said the uniform allowance is increasing to $650 in 2025 and $700 in 2026 in response to inflation.

In addition, a longevity salary tier has been added. Employees who reach 25 years of service will receive an annual longevity pay of $1,200.

One of the highlights of the contract, he said, is its focus on professional development.

“Professional development is good for the individual, it's good for the crew, it's good for the department and it's good for the community,” Dolan said.

Funds are being set aside for advanced paramedic coursework.

“Contract negotiations aren't always easy, obviously, and while we may not always agree, the ability to come together and find common ground is what makes this process work,” union President Mike Romano said.