TOWSON, MD—In recognition of the critical role first responders and other essential public-facing employees are playing in Baltimore County’s efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Friday announced an essential pay program for those employees.

“Our public-facing employees are on the front lines of this crisis, and their extraordinary efforts deserve recognition and compensation,” Olszewski said. “I know I speak for all of Baltimore County when I say we are incredibly grateful for their dedication to keeping our communities safe and healthy during this challenging time.”

All first responders and essential public-facing employees are eligible for additional pay under the new program. For these employees, essential pay will be $200 per two-week pay period for the duration of the County Executive’s Declaration of Emergency, or up to five pay periods and $1,000.

First responders and essential public-facing employees will include, but are not limited to, police, fire, corrections, 911 center employees, and certain workers in Health and Human Services, Public Works, Aging, and Recreation and Parks.

Some other employees performing mission-critical functions who are unable to telework will be eligible for essential pay of $100 per pay-period for the duration of the County Executive’s Declaration of Emergency or up to five pay periods and $500.

The essential pay program is the latest step in the county’s efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Photo by Tobias Rehbein from Pexels]