Irwin police to get 6% raise in 2023 under new pact
Irwin’s police officers will get a 6% raise beginning in January in the first year of a new contract.
The borough recently approved a three-year contract with the Irwin Police Officers’ Relief Association. It raises wages by 4% in 2024 and another 4% in 2025, said Shari Martino, borough manager. The relief association represents the police officers in collective bargaining.
The contract covers five full-time police officers and the chief, Martino said.
Lt. Mike Thomas, president of the association, could not be reached for comment.
In addition to approving the contract, the borough added a full-time officer, Justin Woods, at a rate of $25.62.
The hiring of an additional full-time officer will reduce the demand for part-time help, Martino said. The borough has one part-time officer.
“It gives us more flexibility and more stability in scheduling,” Chief Dan Wensel said.
In the past year, Irwin has had a difficult time retaining full-time officers, who have moved on to jobs with larger municipal police departments or the Pennsylvania State Police.
Joe Napsha is a TribLive reporter covering Irwin, North Huntingdon and the Norwin School District. He also writes about business issues. He grew up on Neville Island and has worked at the Trib since the early 1980s. He can be reached at jnapsha@triblive.com.
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