Reading Firefighter Lateral Transfer Information

The Reading Fire Department values experienced firefighters and EMS providers.  Our organization offers many benefits and a welcoming work environment. We are well supported by the community and harbor a healthy a relationship.  The following information highlights what makes the Reading Fire Department standout from other organizations.

 Staffing: The Reading Fire Department has 51 uniformed personnel. 

  • Our 3 Administrative positions include: Chief, Assistant Chief, and Fire Prevention Officer. 
  • 48 personnel are assigned to Operations 
    • Operations divided into 4 Shifts of 12 personnel 
      • Captain (Shift Commander), 2 Lieutenants, and 9 Firefighters. 
    • Minimum staffing is 10 Personnel
  • 2 Stations deploying: 
    • 2 Engine Companies, 
    • 1 Ladder Company, 
    • Transporting Medic 
    • Command Vehicle 

 Additional Base Pay Premiums: In addition to base pay, holidays and night shift differential are added to base pay. The value of each automatically increases as base pay increases. Holidays equal an additional 5.75% and night shift differential equals 3.25%.

 Education incentives: Members are compensated an additional 5% for applicable associates degrees, 10% for applicable bachelors degrees and 15% for applicable masters degrees.

 Pay scale examples with Premiums and Education:

  • Firefighter Paramedic Entry Level: $78,492.26
  • Firefighter Paramedic Entry Level with Associates: $82.027.95
  • Firefighter Paramedic Entry Level with Bachelors: $85,563.64
  • Firefighter Paramedic Entry Level with Masters: $89,099.33

 

  • Firefighter Paramedic Step 4: $96,318.93
  • Firefighter Paramedic Step 4 with Associates: $100,657.62
  • Firefighter Paramedic Step 4 with Bachelors: $104,996.31
  • Firefighter Paramedic Step 4 with Masters: $109,335.00

 Additional Pay Steps, Pay Scales and Calculations can be found in the collective bargaining agreement.

 Metro Fire Mutual Aid Partner: The Reading Fire Department is part of the Metro Fire Mutual Network and also provides mutual aid to several Essex county communities. Our direct borders include Wakefield, Woburn, Stoneham, North Reading, Lynnfield, and Wilmington. In addition to our immediate borders, we are listed on many other mutual aid run cards throughout the Metro and Essex County Fire Districts. In 2024 we responded to 20 mutual aid fires.

 Double Paramedic Ambulance Staffing: The Reading Fire Department operates 1 transporting ambulance. This ambulance is staffed in a double Paramedic configuration. Additionally, new paramedics are provided with a comprehensive training program to assure success and guarantee high quality patient care.

 No Apparatus Cross Staffing: Reading Firefighters do not cross staff apparatus. Firefighter-Paramedics remain on their assigned apparatus throughout their shift.

 Fire Apparatus/Ambulance Rotation: Firefighter Paramedics are assigned in a 5 person rotation for ambulance duty. The rotation generally falls as 1 month Ambulance, 1 month Fire Apparatus, 1 month ambulance, 2 months Fire Apparatus.

 Ambulance assigned to suppression during fire incidents: The Firefighter Paramedics assigned to the ambulance are assigned to suppression duty during fire incidents.

 All Apparatus ALS Level: In addition to our 1 transporting ambulance, all Reading Fire apparatus are full class 5 Advanced Life Support units, making our entire fleet ALS level.

 All EMS Education Provided: The Reading Fire Department provides all continuing education, ACLS training, PALS training and EMS refresher in house. Overtime is provided for approved training that takes place off duty and all fees are fully covered.

If you have Interest in a Lateral Position please contact the Chief or Assistant Chief.  We look forward to speaking with you.