The police and fire chiefs earn what is within the normal salary range in that field. The cops and firemen earn average salaries in those fields. The pay scales are well within industry norms. Remember, you get what you pay for. If someone is envious of those salaries, they should feel free to take the next civil service tests for those positions. The shore area has a high cost of living. People in public service jobs deserve salaries within the normal range for their jobs.