Putting People First: Why a County-Run Fire and EMS System Makes Sense

Opinion Piece By Phil Cordeiro

On April 10th, the Pender Post questioned the potential merger of Pender EMS & Fire (PEMSF) with Pender County. While it’s good to ask hard questions, we also need to look at the full picture—and the facts.

Yes, most counties in North Carolina contract fire and EMS services. But the Pender Post minimizes the fact that some counties operate fire and EMS departments quite well. Our neighbor, New Hanover County, has successfully brought fire services under county leadership—and their service has only improved.

More importantly, the Pender Post overlooks the real, tangible benefits for PEMSF employees if they became county employees.

For one, new PEMSF employees haven’t had access to a pension since 2019. That’s a huge gap in long-term financial security. The state’s Local Government Employees Retirement System (LGERS) is not only available to county employees—it’s among the most financially secure public pensions nationwide.

Even for employees hired before 2019, there are concerns. According to PEMSF’s 2023 audit, its pension fund dipped below 60% funded and temporarily suspended lump sum payouts. That’s a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored.

County employment would also give these workers access to better insurance options. With its larger workforce, Pender County can negotiate lower premiums and better coverage for health, dental, and vision care—something smaller organizations like PEMSF can’t match.

The Pender Post also skips over some serious spending concerns. In 2023, PEMSF gave management a 21% salary increase, including paying its chief nearly $200,000 a year—more than the Wilmington police chief and the Pender County schools superintendent, who oversee much larger operations.

And then there’s the equipment. PEMSF has invested in things like boat rescue teams, despite already having strong coverage on the water from the Pender and New Hanover sheriff’s offices and the U.S. Coast Guard. It’s worth asking: is that the best use of our limited taxpayer dollars?

I applaud the county's recent attempts to cut unnecessary spending and wisely guard the public purse. For example, Commissioners Burton, Smith, and Springer saved us over $100,000 in their first months in office by cutting $60,000 in wasteful spending on a water tower logo and $45,000 on an unnecessary new vehicle for the tourism department. Now that's a breath of fresh air.

This merger isn’t about control—it’s about sustainability. It’s about giving our emergency responders the benefits, security, and support they deserve. Let’s move the conversation beyond speculation and personal attacks. Let’s start focusing on facts—and people.

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