Low Wage Qualifies TN Firefighters for Subsidized Housing

Firefighters in Knoxville did some research only to find some in their ranks qualify for subsidized housing. According to the city, an annual salary of $39,000 or less is considered low income, which is more than most new firefighters make.

Starting salary for new firefighters comes in at $35,000. After two years their salary advances to $38,000 per year, which still falls under the subsidized housing threshold. A single firefighter with any dependents would find themselves in the very low-income bracket.

Kevin Faddis, President of the Knoxville Firefighters Association, told WBIR 10 News, “fewer people are coming to work in Knoxville.”  Faddis is concerned the low pay makes opportunities with the Knoxville Fire Department less attractive than other departments.