Fire chief's contract triggers pay raise

Mark Gillaspie. City of Downey photo

DOWNEY – Downey’s fire chief is receiving a pay raise thanks to a subordinate’s recent salary hike. 

Last February, the City Council approved salary increases to Downey Fire Department management personnel. The three-year deal included annual pay raises of 2% for the first two years, and 3% the third year. 

The bump in pay triggered a clause in the contract of Fire Chief Mark Gillaspie, which stipulates that he is paid at least 5% more than the next highest-paid fire department employee, which is the assistant fire chief.

Gillaspie is currently paid between $14,274-$17,415 monthly. Effective July 2, he will earn at least $14,851 every month. 

The fire chief’s earnings will bump up another 3% on Dec. 31 thanks to a previously scheduled pay raise. 

The City Council still needs to approve the earnings at its meeting Tuesday.