Union claims Kentwood firefighter had military gap pay cut by mayor's office

KENTWOOD, Mich. — The union representing Kentwood firefighters claims one of its members had their “gap pay” cut in half by the mayor’s office after completing annual military training.

The firefighter, who was not named in a press release from Kentwood Firefighters Local 3174, was reportedly eligible for gap pay — wages meant to make up the difference between city and military pay during mandatory training.

According to the union, the firefighter is an 11-year Marine veteran currently serving in the Marine Reserves. They attended their required annual training, and the city allegedly agreed the firefighter qualified for gap pay.

The two sides allegedly reached an agreement on the amount to be paid, but the union claims that once the payment was sent to the mayor’s office for review, it