Tulsa Firefighters To Receive Pay Raise Under New Agreement With City

Tulsa firefighters are getting their biggest pay raise in the city's history.

Mayor GT Bynum signed the contract Friday morning, saying TFD is considered one of the best fire departments in the nation.

The Firefighters Union said it doesn't just help keep good firefighters that are already here. It also helps them bring in new recruits by staying competitive compared to similar-sized towns.

There is also an increase in longevity pay that goes to firefighters that have been part of the department for a long time.

Local Firefighters Union President Matt Lay said the last few years have been particularly tough on Tulsa firefighters. Negotiations for better contracts have also been tough at times.

He said they submitted the contract to the mayor about two weeks ago, and that the signing brings a lot of relief.

"Any time both sides are diligent and able to come to an equitable agreement. I feel like there's a sense of satisfaction. Felt like ... a job well done and we were able to move the ball forward," he said.

The contract is retroactively effective back to July 1.