The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #36 in South Bend has unanimously approved a proposed two-and-a-half percent raise for South Bend police, proposed by South Bend Mayor James Mueller. The South Bend City Council still has to approve the raise before it will take effect. The F.O.P. is hopeful that council will support the pay hike.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #36 sent the following statement to 95.3 MNC regarding the proposed pay rate increase:

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #36 in South Bend, Indiana announced that the lodge membership has unanimously approved a proposed 2.5% raise for South Bend police officers. South Bend Mayor James Mueller proposed the wage increase.

“Mayor Mueller contacted the FOP and proposed a 2.5% raise for the brave men and women of the South Bend police department who’ve been working hard during these unprecedented times,” Harvey Mills, South Bend FOP President said. “I want to express a heartfelt thank you to Mayor Mueller for deciding to prioritize and recognize the sacrifice that police officers make every day. We welcome this new enthusiasm from city hall will and are hopeful this positive trend continues.”

While the Mayor has proposed the 2.5% raise and both FOP members and the Board of Public Safety have unanimously approved it, the South Bend City Council still has to approve the raise before it will take effect. The FOP is hopeful that City Council will follow the Mayor’s lead in supporting police officers.

“This raise will go a long way to increasing morale within the police department and helping us be competitive with nearby police departments as continue to recruit new officers to the force,” Mills continued. “We thank the Mayor for his leadership on this important issue.”