Perspective: Lure of Iraq depletes ranks of North Carolina fire department

Wackenhut firefighters in Iraq can make $90,000 per year, mostly tax free

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - The war in Iraq is taking an unusual toll on the city of Rocky Mount - specifically, on the ranks of its fire department.

More than one-fifth of the city's firefighters are gone, most of them to jobs with contractors protecting military bases overseas.

"The service we provide hasn't been compromised, but it's a challenge, especially when you're short-staffed," acting Fire Chief Keith Harris said.

"We have contingency plans, but it comes at a cost - a monetary cost to pay overtime and a morale cost because firefighters are working extra shifts."

Harris said 17 of the city's crew members have resigned in the past 21 months to take jobs as contract firefighters at military bases in Iraq for Wackenhut Corp., an international private security firm.

It's hard to blame the firefighters for what Harris calls the "Iraq phenomenon," he said.

"It's a great financial opportunity for a young person," Harris said. "I think they pay them $90,000 for a 12-month commitment, and a vast majority of that is tax-free."

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