Johnston County paramedics to receive 42% pay increase

Paramedics in Johnston County are set to receive a 42% raise, as part of an effort to make EMS pay more competitive with Wake County.

Paramedics already have to work 24-hour shifts -- but one woman says under the county's old payment plan, she had to work even longer just to make ends meet. Thanks to the raises, she thinks that'll change.

Lauryn Stillwell, a paramedic in Johnston County, has been balancing life as a mom and her career in emergency services.

"This pay raise to me means a lot because it gives me the opportunity to stay at home more with my family," she said.

Johnston County sent EMS workers a notice this week that the board of commissioners approved raises to start in May.

The first two tiers of EMTs will see pay bumps of more than 20%, and paramedics will get a raise of more than 42%.

Stillwell says she was told the move will make Johnston County's EMS pay more competitive with Wake County’s.

"So that we can both retain people and attract new people as well, so now we’re running neck and neck with them as far as pay goes," she said.

The pay increase comes during a difficult time for Stillwell’s family.

Her husband’s going through the Fire Academy, leaving Stillwell to financially support the family for the moment.

Her shifts are normally 24 hours on, 72 hours off -- but with her old salary, she’s had to consistently work overtime to make ends meet.

"It leaves me very little time with my family, and just the pressure of having to keep up with the household expenses and paying the bills is all on me right now," she said.

Stillwell says thanks to the raise, the only overtime work she'll be doing is as a mom.

"That means a lot to me, meaning that I can afford to be at home now," she said.

The county’s paying for these raises with $6.5 million the board of commissioners approved this month. They’re planning to add that money to the budget every year, making these permanent raises.