Increased salaries and expanded health care benefits are part of a new contract agreed to by the City of Sturgeon Bay and Sturgeon Bay Firefighters Union Local 2682.

Under the agreement, firefighters will see union wages increase 6% this year, 4% in 2027 and 3% in 2028. The raises will bring firefighters’ hourly wages to between $23 and $30, depending on experience and rank.

The contract also provides firefighters with access to cancer screenings, a significant concern in the profession. According to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters.

Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward said he is thankful the two sides were able to reach an agreement after entering mediation earlier this year.

In addition to approving the firefighter contract and the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box, the Sturgeon Bay Common Council approved several housing-related measures during its approximately two-hour meeting last Tuesday.