Brevard County firefighters are facing significant challenges as they have not received a pay raise since October 2024, according to John Dacko, a local resident and firefighter, who addressed the Brevard County Commission during their recent meeting. Dacko highlighted the pressing issue of mandatory overtime, revealing that firefighters are required to work every 10 to 14 days due to a shortage of staff. Last year alone, the department logged over 24,000 hours of mandatory overtime, a situation exacerbated by more than 100 unfilled positions.

Dacko emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that the department is on track to lose another 100 firefighters this year. He pointed out that the inability to hire qualified applicants is contributing to the ongoing crisis, which could impact public safety and response times.

In his remarks, Dacko also criticized a recent statement made by a commissioner regarding proposed increases in fire assessment fees. He argued that such comments, which suggested that fee hikes would lead to higher prices at local businesses, were misleading and did not provide residents with the factual information they deserve.

The discussion underscores the critical need for the county to address staffing and compensation issues within the fire department to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the commission will respond to these pressing concerns and what measures will be taken to support the firefighters who serve the county.