United States (Mississippi) - The city of Gulfport is advertising a part-time firefighter position on its Website to compensate for cutting out overtime for full-time firefighters. The Fire Department also has fewer full-time firefighters due to a hiring freeze. The city is seeking a part-time firefighter with at least two years' experience to be on call. The position pays $10.60 a hour, according to the posting.

Full-time firefighters have objected to the removal of overtime that was built into their regular pay. Their shifts have been cut from 216 hours a month to 204 so federal law that required the overtime would no longer apply. The city, which has an operating deficit, expects to save money with the part-time firefighters, but full-time firefighters point out any part-timers hired will have to be equipped with gear.

Written by The Sun Herald