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‘We will see resignations’: Atlanta firefighter union says 2025 pay is inadequate

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‘We will see resignations’: Atlanta firefighter union says 2025 pay is inadequate


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – On Tuesday, roughly two dozen Atlanta firefighters showed up to the Atlanta City Council appealing to city leaders to increase their pay plan for 2025.

“If the plan doesn’t change, we will see resignations,” said Nate Bailey, president of Atlanta Professional Firefighters, the union representing roughly 600 Atlanta firefighters and paramedics.

Bailey said the city suddenly removed four large cities – New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia – when calculating the 2025 budget for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD), a change that decreased the overall salary budget by roughly $5 million, said Bailey.

“We need to increase the staffing, and the only way to do that is good pension and competitive salaries,” said Bailey.

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Bailey said there are currently roughly 860 firefighters in the department. He said the ideal size is 1,100 members.

Atlanta News First reached out to AFRD to get a sense of their department size. A spokesperson has not responded to that request.

Bailey said he fears firefighters will leave Atlanta for higher-paying departments should the pay scale not be adjusted.

A city spokesperson told Atlanta News First that Mayor Andre Dickens’ commitment to first responders has been clear since he took office.

The city has invested roughly $105 million into Atlanta fire equipment and facilities under the Dickens administration, according to a city spokesperson.

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The city said they’ve also increased starting salaries for critical fire positions by 15 to 37 percent since 2022.

“There is always more work to be done. However, Mayor Dickens and City Council have made significant investments in the men and women of AFRD, their facilities and the equipment they use to keep our communities safe,” said a city spokesperson.

The current pay scale would increase the salary for every firefighter and every employee by at least 2 percent.

Bailey recognized the increase, but said that does not match market value and fears the pay will leave the department inadequately staffed.

“It’s a safety issue. It’s a huge safety issue,” Bailey said. “We already have firefighters work 48 hours straight, sometimes even 50-52 hours without sleep, because we have some of the busiest engine companies in the country. So it means more overtime shifts, it means less safe firefighters.”

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Atlanta, GA

Police increase presence across metro Atlanta amid teen takeover rumors

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Police increase presence across metro Atlanta amid teen takeover rumors


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Popular gathering spots across metro Atlanta saw heightened law enforcement presence Saturday night following rumors of potential “teen takeovers.”

Authorities say a similar event last weekend led to more than a dozen teenagers and adults being taken into custody. In response, agencies across the metro area are stepping up patrols in several high-traffic areas, including the Beltline and the Cumberland Mall and Battery districts.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 9 juveniles, 8 adults charged after weekend ‘takeover’ event at The Battery

Along the Atlanta Beltline, Atlanta police confirmed they increased staffing levels as a precaution. An APD officer on scene told Atlanta News First that officers are maintaining an enhanced presence due to the takeover rumors. An Atlanta News First crew observed multiple people put in handcuffs and an APD officer at the Beltline said four guns had been confiscated.

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Multiple patrol units were visible along the Beltline, with officers monitoring foot traffic and briefly detaining several individuals. Police said the show of force is intended to deter large, disruptive gatherings before they begin.

Cumberland Mall to have teen curfew Saturday after ‘takeover’ at The Battery

In Cobb County, law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts around Cumberland Mall and The Battery Atlanta. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office deployed its mounted patrol unit, with four deputies on horseback circling the mall. Units from the Cobb County Police Department, Marietta Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol were also seen monitoring traffic and pedestrian activity in the area.

Electronic message boards and posted signage between Cumberland and The Battery warned visitors of the increased law enforcement presence. Officers said the goal is to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s arrests and ensure public safety.

For now, officials say the evening remains calm, but they are prepared to respond quickly if large crowds begin to form.

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Atlanta, GA

Shooting causes lockdown at Mall of Stonecrest

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Shooting causes lockdown at Mall of Stonecrest


Police at the Mall of Stonecrest (FOX 5)

The DeKalb County Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred at the Mall of Stonecrest on Saturday afternoon.

What we know:

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The department was alerted to the shooting around 12:40 p.m. Officers responded to the mall and immediately began a search of the premises. In an early update, police stated the mall was on lockdown and that no victim had been found.

A few hours later, police confirmed a victim had been located and several people were detained after running away from the mall. The injured person was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive.

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The mall remained on lockdown as of 3:45 p.m. as officers continued clearing the building. Police said the process could take several hours and requested that the public continue to avoid the area.

DeKalb police stated there is no further danger to the public. 

What we don’t know:

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At this time, it is unclear what led to the shooting or if any of the detained individuals have been charged.

The Source: Information in this article came from the DeKalb County Police Department via an email. 

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Atlanta, GA

The Pulse: Are pajamas really banned at the airport?

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The Pulse: Are pajamas really banned at the airport?


The show highlights a tongue-in-cheek social media “ban” on pajamas and Crocs at Tampa International Airport that sparked national debate over travel etiquette. The crew also covers the Atlanta Hawks’ bold “Magic City Monday” promotion featuring famous lemon pepper wings and halftime performances by T.I.. Additionally, the segment dives into Gen Z’s “loud breakup” trend on TikTok and ends with a nostalgic defense of the Burger King Whopper.



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