HomeMy Public PortalAbout166-2016 - Fire - Union ContractAGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF RICHMOND, INDIANA
1
RICHMOND PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS, INC.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS
AFL-CIO
LOCAL 1408
JANUARY 01, 2017
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2017
CONTRACT NO. 166-2016
INDEX
ARTICLE
1
UNION AND CITY RELATIONSHIP
PAGE
1
ARTICLE
2
UNION RECOGNITION
PAGE
1
ARTICLE
3
DEFINITIONS
PAGE
1
ARTICLE
4
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
PAGE
3
ARTICLE
5
UNION MEMBERSHIP SECURITY
PAGE
3
ARTICLE
6
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
PAGE
3
ARTICLE
7
DISCRIMINATION
PAGE
3
ARTICLE
8
PERMITTED ATTENDANCE ON DUTY
PAGE
4
ARTICLE
9
UNION BUSINESS AND FIREFIGHTER'S
PAGE
4
RIGHTS
ARTICLE
10
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
PAGE
5
ARTICLE
11
WORK WEEK/WORK FORCE PLANNING
PAGE
6
ARTICLE
12
HOLIDAYSBIRTHDAY/PERSONAL DAYS
PAGE
7
ARTICLE
13
EXCHANGE OF WORK TIME
PAGE
8
ARTICLE
14
COMPANY AND PLATOON EXCHANGE
PAGE
8
ARTICLE
15
PERSONAL ARTICLES
PAGE
9
ARTICLE
16
FIRE HOUSE MAINTENANCE
PAGE
9
ARTICLE
17
BULLETIN BOARD SPACE AND
PAGE
9
UNION MEETING SPACE
ARTICLE
18
NEGOTIATIONS
PAGE
9
ARTICLE
19
CALL BACK/OVERTIME
PAGE
9
ARTICLE
20
CLOTHING ALLOWANCE
PAGE
10
ARTICLE
21
STATION FACILITIES AND
PAGE
11
SUPPLIES
1
INDEX
ARTICLE
22
RULES AND REGULATIONS
PAGE 11
ARTICLE
23
PREVAILING RIGHTS
PAGE 11
ARTICLE
24
SAVINGS CLAUSE
PAGE 12
ARTICLE
25
BINDING AGREEMENT
PAGE 12
ARTICLE
26
EDUCATION INCENTIVE
PAGE 12
ARTICLE
27
VACATIONS
PAGE 13
ARTICLE
28
MEDICAL INSURANCE
PAGE 15
ARTICLE
29
SENIORITY, PROMOTIONS/DEMOTIONS
PAGE 17
ARTICLE
30
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS/
PHYSICAL ABILITY
PAGE 19
ARTICLE
31
NO STRIKE CLAUSE, LOCKOUT
PAGE 20
OR REDUCTIONS
ARTICLE
32
WAGES
PAGE 20
ARTICLE
33
SHIFT TRAINERS
PAGE 21
ARTICLE
34
LIGHT DUTY/LIMITED DUTY
PAGE 22
ARTICKE 35
EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION
PAGE 22
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PROFESSIONAL NEGOTIATION CONTRACT
THIS AGREEMENT, executed as of the 1st day of January, 2015, although signatures
may be subsequently affixed, is between the City of Richmond, Indiana, (hereinafter referred
to as "City") and the Richmond Professional Firefighters, Inc., Local 1408 of the International
Association of Firefighters AFL-CIO, on behalf of those members of the Richmond Fire
Department, (hereinafter referred to as the "Union").
WHEREAS, the members of the Fire Department of the City of Richmond, Indiana are
engaged in providing an essential public service to the community which
affects the health, safety, comfort, and general well-being of the citizens of
said City; and
WHEREAS, a majority of the members of said Fire Department belong to and actively
support the said Union and its policy; and
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to set forth in writing the City's administrative policy in
dealing with the Union, and the terms and conditions of employment for the
Firefighters during the term of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions contained herein,
including the above recitals, the parties agree to the following which shall be binding upon
the City and all Firefighters.
ARTICLE 1
THE UNION AND CITY RELATIONSHIP
The Union and the City agree to cooperate fully for harmonious relations, good
working conditions, fair and impartial discipline, efficient fire fighting service and fire
department standard of care services for the citizens of the City of Richmond, Indiana.
ARTICLE 2
UNION RECOGNITION
The City hereby recognizes that the Union represents a majority of the firefighters of
the City. The City, therefore, recognizes the Union as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent
for all firefighters (as defined in Article 3 hereof) of the City in all matters pertaining to rate of
pay, wages, hours of employment and other conditions of employment of said employees,
and further agrees to bargain with no other such agent for said employees during the life of
this Agreement.
ARTICLE 3
DEFINITIONS
The term "Bargaining Unit", "Employee", "Firefighter(s)", or member of the Fire
Department wherever used in this agreement shall apply to all personnel in the Fire
Department, but shall exclude the following who shall not be covered by this Agreement
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(provided, the following who are members of the Union shall not be excluded for purposes of
Article 28 (B) and Article 30):
(a) Fire Chief
(b) Assistant Fire /Chief of Operations
(c) Battalion Chiefs
(d) Deputy Chief of EMS
(e) Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention
(f) Inspection Specialist
(g) Civilian part time or full time employees
(h) Secretarial/Clerical
As used in this Agreement, the term "Fire Chief" or "Chief" shall mean the Chief of
the Fire Department or, in his absence, his authorized representative by established chain of
command.
As used in this Agreement, the term "Supervisor" shall mean a Lieutenant,
Engineer/Driver-Operator or Firefighter II (with five (5) or more years of service with the
Richmond Fire Department) having a State Master Certification in Tactics, Inspection and
Investigation or a Lieutenant, Engineer/Driver-Operator or Firefighter II (with five (5) or more
years of service with the Richmond Fire Department) having met and been certified by the
State of Indiana to have met NFPA Fire Officer One requirements or any Lieutenant
"Grandfathered" to that current rank. After December 31, 2000, any member not already
eligible to work as a "Supervisor" with five (5) or more years of service with the Richmond
Fire Department shall be required to complete course work and hold Certification by the
State of Indiana as Fire Officer I and II and EMT prior to working as a "Supervisor" or being
eligible for promotion to Lieutenant.
As used in this Agreement, the term "Certified Firefighter" is a Firefighter who has
been certified to drive and operate specific apparatus based upon Richmond Fire
Department's Certification, which is based upon NFPA 1002.
As used in this agreement, the term "Training Committee" refers to a committee
made up of five members of the Richmond Fire Department, (two from the Bargaining Unit,
two from the Chief's office and the fifth being chosen and agreed upon annually by the four).
The parties agree to place a high priority on a quality training program for all fire department
personnel who are and who may be assigned to the prevention and suppression of fires. The
responsibility of this committee will be to assure a continuous training program for both new
and seasoned Firefighters. The training will be directly under the direction of the Chief of
Operations and administered with the assistance of the "Shift Trainers".
As used in this agreement, the term "Temporary Assignment" shall mean that the
temporary movement of personnel shall not be for more than ninety (90) calendar days in
any given 365 day period. The member displaced by such a temporary assignment shall not
be the subject of such assignment more than once in a calendar year. This does not apply to
the Chief's movement of personnel for betterment of the department or members
permanently assigned to Squad.
As used in this Agreement, the term "Station Dress" consists of three (3) uniform
pants, three (3) uniform shirts, three (3) uniform T-shirts and three (3) uniform sweatshirts.
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ARTICLE 4
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Union recognizes the statutory procedures outlining the authority of the
various Departments, officials, and employees of the City as well as the specific right of
the Fire Chief and the Board of Public Works and Safety to hire, discipline, transfer,
promote, demote, suspend, and discharge, as well as to direct the working force of the
Richmond Fire Department, subject to the procedures as hereinafter set forth concerning
the grievance procedure and seniority.
ARTICLE 5
UNION MEMBERSHIP SECURITY
All Employees who are covered by this Agreement, who are members of the Union,
shall pay Union dues. Non-members may be assessed a service charge to the Union, in an
amount equal to their fair share of negotiations and costs associated with defending this
contract.
All new Firefighters, after expiration of the probationary period, who are hired on or
after the date of the execution of the agreement shall be required, as a condition of their
employment, to either become members of the Union, or, in the alternative, pay a service
charge to the Union in an amount equal to their fair share of costs associated with
negotiations and defending this contract.
ARTICLE 6
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
The City will honor individual authorizations to deduct dues or service charges in an
amount as established by the membership of the Union, voluntarily executed by the
Employee, provided the same conforms to applicable law and provided further that such
authorization may be revoked by the Employee upon written notice to the City and the Union
of the Employee's desire to do so. The Union shall maintain a file of such authorizations and
shall provide copies of the same to the City upon request.
ARTICLE 7
DISCRIMINATION
The City agrees not to discriminate against any Firefighter for any reason according to
all Federal, State and Local laws.
3
ARTICLE 8
PERMITTED ATTENDANCE ON DUTY
Firefighters, while on duty, shall be permitted to attend meetings between the Board
of Works and Safety when there is Fire Department business on the agenda, this shall be
limited to those members directly involved in said Fire Department Business as certified by
the Chief. Firefighters directly involved, as certified by the Chief, may also attend any
meetings that are part of the grievance procedure. Firefighters on duty who are certified to
the Chief by the Union President as being members of the Union Negotiations Team shall be
permitted to attend scheduled meetings with representatives of the City. Firefighters serving
on such boards or committees of the Union, certified to the Chief by the Union President,
shall be permitted to attend meetings of such boards or committees as have been
reasonably scheduled and advance notification given to the Chief. Firefighters on
duty shall remain in service while attending any such meetings.
ARTICLE 9
UNION BUSINESS & FIREFIGHTER'S RIGHTS
SECTION I - Union Business
A. A maximum of three (3) Firefighters shall be afforded time off with pay to attend
the State Convention of the Union; and a maximum of two (2) Firefighters shall be afforded
time off with pay to attend the National Convention of the Union, said Firefighters having
been certified to the Chief by the Union President at least fourteen (14) days in advance of
such conventions. Such time off with pay shall be limited to the Firefighter's normal duty
days which occur during the regularly scheduled sessions of such conventions, and shall not
include travel days.
The Union shall submit to the Chief a written report and provide handouts issued at
such conventions for the City's copying purposes, of information learned or discussed which
is of general informative nature beneficial to the City, for any such convention for which time
off has been granted.
B. Additionally, the Union President and one (1) designee shall be granted time off
with pay to attend classes or seminars on negotiations and how to conduct business for the
Union. There is to be a maximum of one (1) class or seminar allowed per year.
C. Upon reasonable notice to the City's designated management representative of at
least twenty four (24) hours (unless circumstances preclude such 24 hours notice, in which
case the City shall be given reasonable notice under the prevailing circumstances), Union
representatives who are not regular employees may have access to areas of City owned or
occupied property generally restricted to the public for purpose of conducting Union
business. The Union representative shall identify the area of requested access and shall
state the reason for the requested access. A representative of the City management may
escort the Union representative to such non-public area and may remain with the
representative during his/her presence in that area, except during those times when the
Union representative is engaged in private conversation with a bargaining unit member.
Access under this section shall be carried out in accordance with the City's applicable safety
policies. Such access shall not constitute an unreasonable interference or disruption of the
conducting of regular business operations in or on the area of special access.
SECTION II - Rights of Firefighters
A. If a Firefighter is charged with a crime for conduct occurring during the course of the
Firefighter's duties with the City and such conduct was at the express direction of the
Firefighter's supervisor or other member of City management in a situation wherein such City
management members are not also criminally charged, then the City shall provide a
Firefighter a defense to such action by an attorney selected by the City. The City shall also
indemnify the Firefighter for any such fine that might be imposed as a result.
B. A firefighter who is not on duty shall not be subject to discipline without pay or loss of rank
for off -duty behavior or activity unless it results in a criminal conviction or plea, or adversely
affects the fulfillment of the Firefighter's work responsibility. However, a Firefighter may be
subject to discipline where a Firefighter is suspended, with or without pay, pending resolution
of criminal charges for alleged activity that occurred while the Firefighter was off -duty. If said
member has been suspended without pay and is exonerated of all criminal charges member
will be awarded all due back pay.
ARTICLE 10
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
The grievance procedure for Firefighters shall consist of three (3) steps outlined in the
following procedure. Each step and each time limit is mandatory and non waivable by
any party.
Step One - all grievances must be filed in writing within ten (10) administrative
working days of the event or occurrence forming the basis for the grievance, and shall be
settled within ten (10) administrative working days, by direct meeting and contact
between the employee and Local Steward, if requested by said employee, and the
employee's Lieutenant, and if the Lieutenant so desires, the Battalion Chief for the
particular employee. This step must take place with an officer of high enough rank that
has the authority to resolve a grievance.
Step Two - if the grievance is not satisfactorily settled by completion of the first
step outlined above, then the complaint of the employee shall be presented to the Fire
Chief or his/her designee in written form within ten (10) regular office days after the
initial meeting between the employee and the parties as provided in step one. The
complainant shall describe, in detail, the nature of the alleged violation, e.g.: violation of
this Agreement, of SOP, etc; and why the employee believes it is a violation.
The Fire Chief or his/her designee shall thereupon arrange a meeting with the
aggrieved employee, his or her Union Representative, any witnesses, and/or any
representative said employee may select to help present his or her case, which said
meeting shall not be later than ten (10) regular office days after the Fire Chief or his/her
designee has received the grievance. Answers to any grievance by the Fire Chief or
his/her designee shall be made in writing to the Union within ten (10) regular office days
after said meeting. This Union must reply in writing within ten (10) regular office days
thereafter as to what action, if any, it intends to take. At all times, through the above two
stages, both parties shall acknowledge in some form, that the grievance procedure steps
are being taken.
Step Three — if a satisfactory settlement is not reached through completion of
step two above described, then said grievance shall be forwarded within thirty (30)
administrative working days to the Board of Public Works and Safety of the said City in
written form, and within Fourteen (14) administrative working days after receiving said
grievance, the Board of Public Works and Safety shall hold a final meeting between the
said Board, the aggrieved employee, and the Union Grievance Committee, witnesses,
and/or any representative said employee may select to help present his case. The Board
shall make final answer within twenty-one (2 1) administrative working days after said
final meeting. This does not preclude the aggrieved employee's rights to initiate civil
action.
ARTICLE 11
WORK WEEK / WORK FORCE PLANNING
Each Firefighter shall be regularly assigned to an average fifty-six (56) hour work week.
Engine companies will be assigned a Lieutenant/Supervisor, an Engineer/Driver or
Certified Firefighter and minimum of one (1) Firefighter, to remain in service Engine
Companies will have a Lieutenant/Supervisor, an Engineer/Driver or Certified Firefighter
and one (1) Firefighter. Rescue will be assigned two (2) personnel being a
Lieutenant/Supervisor, and Engineer/Driver or Certified Firefighter. All BLS (Basic Life
Support) Squads will be assigned two(2) personnel, both being a minimum EMT
certified. All ALS (Advanced Life Support) Squads will be assigned two (2) personnel,
at least one (1) being Paramedic Certified, and the other a minimum of EMT Certified.
The Richmond Fire Department shall consist of three (3) platoons and the City hereby
agrees not to increase or decrease the number of platoons during the duration of this
Agreement.
The full force of the Firefighters Bargaining Unit shall consist of at least seventy-two
(72) members covered by this Agreement as shown below:
18 Lieutenants
18 Engineers
36 Firefighters
The squads will be bid out. When a new member is hired, the most senior of the assigned
members on a squad, if all positions are filled on Squads will be given a choice of
remaining on the unit or moving to another apparatus. Probationary members will be
assigned to Squads when hired.
Paramedics will be assigned to Squads and remain on these units until there are enough
paramedics with less seniority to make it possible to move to another apparatus. (This
provision will supersede Article 3 "Temporary Assignment" for Paramedics only.)
31
When vacancies occur, on the department, the Chief shall proceed
immediately to fill the vacancies pursuant to a Resolution of the Board of Works and
Safety dated July 11, 1985, allowing vacancies to be filled within forty-five (45) days
after the official open date of the vacancy. Any new apparatus, with the exception of
squads, or positions created within the Department that is not considered a
management position shall be negotiated with the union prior to implementation, any
such non -management positions will become part of the bargaining unit.
As of the effective date of this agreement, the City agrees not close any
Firehouse or Apparatus and to maintain staffing at its current level. However, the
City and the Richmond Professional Firefighter's Union agree to reopen this language
to address and resolve this issue within the Fire Department caused by bonafide
budgetary constraints.
ARTICLE 12
BIRTHDAY
Also, each Firefighter shall be granted one (1) duty day off per year with pay in
observance of his/her Birthday. This duty day off must be chosen at the time of the
drawing of vacations. Firefighters will not be granted this time off while three (3)
Firefighters are off on vacation unless approved by the Fire Chief.
Each Firefighter shall be allowed up to five (5) personal days. Personal days must meet
the following criteria:
As per Agreement, the personal days are limited to no more than five (5) per person per
year. Personal days that are not used shall not be carried over to the next year.
A personal day may not be requested more than thirty (30) days in advance with final
approval given twenty (20) days prior to requested date. An effort is to be made
by said member to give at least twelve (12) hours notice prior to the duty day
requested. Any personal day requested with less than twelve (12) hours prior to
the duty day will be handled by the Chief s Office.
Personal days shall not be allowed on the following holidays: New Years Day, Easter,
Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New
Years Eve.
A personal day may be paid back by using vacation days ( if the day requested requires
overtime or results in overtime for the City, the day paid back must alleviate
overtime and may have to be rescheduled. Time for said personal day will be
recorded on the member's original scheduled work day, pay back time will be
noted but not recorded on the time cycle sheet.
VA
A personal day shall not be granted if it creates more than four (4) people off duty. No
more than three (3) people shall be off on personal day per day.
Any member granted a personal day must notify the Chief within seven (7) days as to
which day they will pay back or the Chief s representative may assign member
date of pay back giving the member two or more dates to choose from, with no
compulsory date resulting in less than ten (10) days notification. No compulsory
date will require the member to work seventy-two (72) consecutive hours or
during a scheduled vacation.
Personal days shall not be used for the purpose of fulfilling exchange of time obligations.
At no time shall a member owe the Fire Department more than two (2) unscheduled
payback days.
When paying back personal days, the member paying back the day will be assigned at the
Chief s discretion.
Firefighters are allowed to bank vacation days up to five (5) to use within the guidelines
of Article 12.
Note: The intent of these guidelines is to insure that no more than four (4) members are
scheduled to be off on any Trick for any reason. These guidelines will also insure that
the use of personal days will not increase the overtime for filling the day by day
minimum manning position throughout the year. The Fire Chief will be responsible for
clarification of any ambiguity or interpretation of these guidelines or clarification of the
general use of the personal days to insure the intent is met. It is not the sole
responsibility of the Fire Chief to monitor these guidelines.
If staffing needs change for any reason the Chief reserves the right to suspend or
eliminate the use of personal days.
ARTICLE 13
EXCHANGE OF WORK TIME
All personnel exchanging time shall be certified/qualified to work the requested
exchange position.
Exchange of time shall be subject to the approval of the company officer and final
approval by the Battalion Chief, with approvals and denials to be in writing and no limitation
placed on the number of exchanges.
ARTICLE 14
COMPANY AND PLATOON EXCHANGE
Firefighters of the same rank shall have the right to exchange platoons and company
assignments, and upon mutual consent of both Firefighters involved, shall present such
requests in writing to the Fire Chief, who may grant such requests in writing within seven (7)
calendar days when, in the opinion of the Fire Chief, the exchange does not interfere with the
operation of the Fire Department or undermine (skirt) the bid system.
ARTICLE 15
PERSONAL ARTICLES
The City shall repair or replace eyeglasses, hearing aids and dental appliances
broken or lost in the line of duty, as certified by the Firefighters Lieutenant and/or Battalion
Chief; but shall not pay for re-examination. The City shall repair or replace personal watches
broken or lost in the line of duty, up to a maximum value of fifty dollars ($50.00).
ARTICLE 16
FIRE HOUSE MAINTENANCE
No Firefighter shall be required to perform any major maintenance on any City facility,
equipment or improvements, including but not limited to painting the exterior of buildings,
roofing of buildings, making structural changes, paving, or pouring of concrete. The City shall
provide suitable painting apparel when painting is required.
ARTICLE 17
BULLETIN BOARD SPACE AND UNION MEETING SPACE
The City agrees to provide adequate space in each Firehouse for the Union to hang a
bulletin board for the Union notices, information, etc.
When requested, and subject to availability and prior approval of a designated
member of City management, the City shall provide the Union with meeting space in
locations customarily used for employee meetings.
The City also agrees that Firefighters on duty be allowed to attend Union meetings
and Union functions but must remain in service.
ARTICLE 18
NEGOTIATIONS
After an agreement has been reached between the Union and the City on matters
pertaining to wages, working conditions, and fringe benefits, neither party shall thereafter
alter or change the agreement, including the presenting of the City's budget to the
Common Council. In the event a contract has not been agreed upon after the current
contract has expired, the City and Union agree to adhere to the terms of the expired
contract up to fifteen (15) months as long as both parties continue to meet and movement
and progress are continuing.
ARTICLE 19
CALL BACK/OVERTIME
9
Any Firefighter shall be subject to being called back to perform services under
emergency conditions as deemed necessary by the Fire Chief or other designated officer.
Payment of overtime when earned for emergency call-back or other overtime service shall be
paid at the rate of time and one half the Employee's normal hourly rate.
For purposes of being paid overtime, hours (or days) spent on work related education
or scheduled vacation will apply to the necessary Fair Labor Standards Act hours
requirement. Stated otherwise, if a Firefighter's monthly duty mandatory minimum time is
met either through work, vacation, or schooling, and the Firefighter is called back for an
additional day, overtime pay will apply to that day. This procedure will also apply if "sick
time" is part of the monthly time calculated, with the exception that if the sick day is the work
day immediately before or after the extra day worked, the overtime pay will not apply to that
extra day.
ARTICLE 20
CLOTHING ALLOWANCE
The City shall provide and/or replace to members of the Fire Department equipment
necessary to perform their duties, in accordance with I.C. 36-8-4-4(a).
The City shall provide protective clothing as required by OSHA (currently: helmet,
turnout coat, gloves). The City shall also provide to members badges, name bars, bunker
pants, bunker (night) boots, suspenders, nomex hoods, and flashlights. All items provided by
the City shall remain property of the City and subject to the provisions of I.C. 36-8-4-4(b). The
City reserves the right to require the use by members of items so provided under specified
circumstances.
Any changes in uniform patches or insignia must be approved by a majority vote of
the Union membership.
Additionally, clothing/uniform/equipment items to be provided by the City shall be
ordered only upon approval of the Board of Public Works and Safety of the City.
The City shall pay to each member annually the sum of $700.00, in a separate
check from wages, for the purchase and maintenance of uniforms and clothing; such
payment to be made annually no later than the first day of April. In the event any Firefighter
shall separate employment from the department for any reason before the end of the year,
any clothing allowance received shall be reimbursed to the City by the Firefighter on a pro-
rata basis, and any clothing allowance not yet paid by the City shall be paid by the City to the
Firefighter on a pro-rata basis. If Firefighters are required as a result of government or
department regulation or action to change station dress, the cost in excess of station dress
as worn at the time of this Agreement shall be paid by the City. Clothing type and make shall
be approved by the Chief's office and clothing committee but may be purchased from any
vendor carrying said uniform at the employee's discretion.
The City shall provide all probationary Firefighters with their clothing needs during the
probationary period and shall also pay them a $400.00 clothing allowance. The allowance
will be pro -rated over twenty-six (26) pays during the probationary period. Upon becoming a
permanent Firefighter, such employee shall also receive a pro -rated portion of the annual
10
$700.00 normal clothing allowance to cover the balance of the year in which his
probationary status ends.
ARTICLE 21
STATION FACILITIES AND SUPPLIES
The City agrees to provide facilities and a reasonable amount of equipment to enable
Firefighters on duty to prepare and serve meals to other Firefighters on duty. The City also
agrees to provide dish soap, dish towels, dish cloths, oven cleaner, wax, window cleaner,
etc., to facilitate cleaning of housekeeping equipment. The personnel at each fire station
shall be allowed time to go directly to the nearest grocery store to purchase needed food and
staples regardless of weather conditions.
The City agrees to provide hand soap, shower and toilet facilities at each Fire Station,
to allow Firefighters to clean up while on duty.
The City agrees to provide a bed, mattress, and pad at each fire station for the
number of Firefighters on duty.
The City agrees to furnish a telephone at each fire station that may be used by the
Firefighters while on duty for local, personal calls.
The City agrees to provide adequate locker space for each Firefighter at his assigned
fire station. Each locker shall be equipped with a lock and the key issued to the Firefighter to
whom the locker is assigned.
ARTICLE 22
RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Union agrees that its members shall comply with all Fire Department rules and
regulations, including those relating to conduct and work performance. The City agrees that
Departmental rules and regulations which affect working conditions and performance shall
be subject to the grievance procedure. Any changes in the rules and regulations which apply
to working conditions of the Richmond Fire Department shall be negotiated with the Union.
A committee to review the Rules and Regulations shall be formed and shall meet
every other year. Said committee shall consist of two (2) appointments by the Fire Chief and
two (2) appointments by the Union President. Said completion of the review and or
recommended revisions shall be complete by June 1, of every other year.
ARTICLE 23
PREVAILING RIGHTS
All rights, privileges, and working conditions enjoyed by the Firefighters at the present
time, which are not included in this Agreement, shall remain in full force, unchanged and
unaffected in any manner, during the term of the Agreement unless agreed upon by the City
and Union. This includes, but is not limited to, the current sick leave practice followed by the
Department and in place prior to January, 1996.
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Nothing in this Article shall prevent the exercise of management rights as recognized
in Article 4.
ARTICLE 24
SAVINGS CLAUSE
If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of such provisions, should be
rendered or declared invalid by any court action or by reason of any existing or subsequently
enacted legislation, the remaining parts or portion of this Agreement shall remain in full force
and effect.
hereto.
ARTICLE 25
BINDING AGREEMENT
This Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties
ARTICLE 26
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE
As of January 1, 2013 only educational degrees associated with the Fire service or
other Emergency Services will receive additional compensation for degrees listed in the
following paragraph. Personnel now receiving compensation for degrees other than Fire
service or other Emergency Services educational degrees will continue to receive said
compensation until the end of their employment, with the Fire Department.
Each Firefighter having obtained the following education degrees or current
certification shall receive additional compensation as set forth: Associates Degree -
$500.00; Bachelor Degree - $800.00; Masters Degree - $1000.00; First Responder -
$400.00; Emergency Medical Technician - $750.00; Paramedic - $1,000.00. All
Emergency Medical technicians permanently or temporarily (at least a minimum of thirty
(30) calendar days, however if assignment exceeds thirty (30) calendar days pay will be
retroactive to the first day of assignment) assigned to Squads shall receive an additional
$1,100.00 per year and Paramedics permanently and/or temporarily(at least a minimum
of thirty (30) calendar days, however if assignment exceeds thirty (30) calendar days will
be retroactive to the first day of assignment) assigned to ALS Units shall receive an
additional $2500 per year. A Firefighter certified as a MSA (Mine Safety Appliance)
Technician and assigned by the Fire Chief to serve as the Department's "Self Contained
Breathing Apparatus Specialist" shall receive an additional $250.00. Three members
appointed by the Chiefs Office as "Trick Trainers" shall receive an additional $1,000.00.
Any Firefighter who receives a second educational degree may only receive
compensation for the highest degree earned (Associates, Bachelors, or Masters).
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This Compensation shall begin with the next pay period following receipt of such
degree or certification and the amount above stated shall be pro -rated over the balance of
the year of which the degree or certification is received. The said amount shall be
likewise pro -rated for a probationary member, starting with the pay period following the
completion of his/her probationary period with the exception of EMT pay for it is now a
requirement of employment.
Such degrees must be granted by an educational institution approved by one of
the following regional accredited associations, which have been recognized by the
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
1.New England Associations of Colleges and Secondary Schools,
Commission of institutions of higher Education
2. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. (MSA)
3. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
4. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
5. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
6. Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting
Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.
7. Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting
Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Due to past changes in the contract and State Certification process, one (1) of the
following three (3) categories must be achieved prior to being eligible to receive
supervisory incentive pay. Category 1: All Firefighters with five (5) or more years of
service with the Richmond Fire Department, regardless of rank, who have successfully
completed State Master Categories in tactics, Investigation and Inspection prior to
December 31, 1997, will receive additional compensation of $150.00 for each of these
Master Categories upon completion of all three. Category 2: All firefighters with five (5)
or more years of service with the Richmond Fire Department, regardless of rank, who are
certified by the State of Indiana to have achieved NFPA Fire Officer One prior to
December 31, 2000, will receive additional compensation of $450.00. Category 3:
Commencing January 1, 2001, all Firefighters with five (5) or more years of service with
the Richmond Fire Department, regardless of rank, who are certified by the State of
Indiana to have achieved NFPA Fire Officer One and Two, will receive additional
compensation of $450.00 per year. Firefighters may be compensated for one (1) category
of educational incentives for supervisory qualifications set forth in this paragraph: they
cannot be compounded.
Additionally, if approved by the Chief, the City will reimburse to a Firefighter the
cost of educational courses directly related to his duties, upon the successful completion
of such courses. Successful completion, in graded course work, shall mean obtaining a
grade of at least a "C" or its equivalent. Although a school day may count toward
requiring overtime pay for a particular month, the school day itself, will not be a paid
day.
ARTICLE 27
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VACATIONS
The accrued length of each Firefighter's vacation will be subject to the approved
schedule previously adopted by the Board of Public Works and Safety as shown below:
Employees with 6 months seniority
3 work days
One year seniority
6 work days
Two years seniority
6 work days
Three years seniority
7work days
Four years seniority
8work days
Five years seniority
8 work days
Six years seniority
9 work days
Seven years seniority
9 work days
Eight years seniority
1 Owork days
Nine years seniority
10 work days
Ten years seniority
1 Owork days
Eleven years seniority
10 work days
Twelve years seniority
10 work days
Thirteen years seniority
11 work days
Fourteen years seniority
11 work days
Fifteen years seniority
12 work days
Sixteen years seniority
12 work days
Seventeen years seniority
13 work days
Eighteen years seniority
13 work days
Nineteen years seniority
13 work days
Twenty years seniority
14 work days
All vacations are working days
Fire personnel changing shifts shall re -schedule their vacation time, if necessary,
to insure not more than three (3) Fire personnel are off on vacation at one time per shift.
The system that determines when a Firefighter shall receive his/her vacation is as
follows:
1. The drawing for vacations shall take place in January of each year.
2. Firefighters may split their vacation not more than once.
3. Each platoon will be allowed no more than three (3) Firefighters off on vacation or
birthday at a time.
4. Paramedics on a given Platoon may not draw vacations which overlap with other
paramedics assigned to that platoon.
5. All personnel covered by this Agreement shall draw within their respective platoons.
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6. Vacations will be granted to the Firefighter with the greatest length of service on the
Richmond Fire Department and assigned to a particular platoon. He will select his
vacation first, and commencing by seniority until, all vacation time is granted.
Firefighters splitting vacation time will be allowed one choice the first draw, and after
completion of the first draw, will be allowed to select, by seniority, their remaining
vacation time.
7. Vacation time will be granted at any time between January 1, and December 31, of
each year.
Any Firefighter with more than 3 work day vacation days per year shall be
allowed to "sell back", on an annual basis, up to one half of his vacation days for
a sum equal to the number of days sold back times the Firefighter's normal daily
rate of pay in effect at the time of the sell back. Such option may be exercised at
any time during the year. For purposes of this paragraph, payment would be made
at a straight rate of pay.
Leaves of Absence
Any leaves of absence shall be in accordance with the Personnel Policy of
the City of Richmond, Indiana as adopted by the Board of Public Works and
Safety with the authority being established by Indiana Code excluding any
reference to personal days.
ARTICLE 28
MEDICAL INSURANCE
A. Active Employee Insurance Benefits:
The City agrees to pay no less than eighty percent (80%) of the cost of an active
employee's PPO medical insurance policy including, if applicable, the premium portion
that is for their spouse and dependent children. The City shall have the right to change
insurance carriers at its discretion, provided there is no reduction in benefits. Working
spouses either full-time or full-time equivalent of employees or retirees with insurance
available through their employer shall not be covered by the City's health care insurance.
The City agrees to recognize each Union regarding insurance matters. The Unions
recognized are IAFF, FOP, AFSCME and Transit Union ( referred to here after as
Bargaining Units).
The City and Bargaining Units agree to recognize the following guidelines for the
Health Care Committee (Committee);
1. One (1) vote per local Union and one (1) vote for civilian
employees.
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2. Committee agrees to recognize one (1) member from the City
Council as a liaison and they have no voting privileges.
3. The Committee may meet at least once per month and the City
will provide financial statements for the previous month.
4. The City agrees that any funds moved out of the Health Insurance
Fund, must come to the Committee for a majority vote. The vote of the Committee will
be used as a recommendation tool to the City Council.
5. A Recording Secretary will be appointed to keep minutes of each
meeting with no voting rights.
Working spouses either full-time or full-time equivalent, as defined by state law,
of active employees or retirees with Healthcare coverage available shall not be covered
by the City's Healthcare Plan.
B. Retiree Insurance Benefits:
A retiree who chooses to remain on City insurance shall be allowed to remain a part
of the City's PPO group health insurance coverage subject to the following terms and
conditions. The City shall contribute toward the health insurance premiums of an eligible
retiree who chooses to remain on City insurance subject to the following terms and
conditions:
1. If the retiree elects to remain a part of the City's PPO Plan, the City shall charge one
dollar ($1) annually as retiree share of the premium/contribution for the retiree and
spouse. The retiree may only provide healthcare coverage for his or her spouse who
existed at the time of retirement. The premium coverage for additional dependents on the
PPO Plan shall be equal to the cost of premiums charged to other City employees with
the following clarification: one (1) child shall be equal to the single cost; two or three
children shall be equal to the cost for two or three coverage; etc.
Any spouse of a current retiree or current full time employee that has signed up for the
PERF DROP program prior to January 01, 2013 will still be eligible to remain on the
City's Healthcare Plan.
2. For purposes of retiree insurance benefits, coverage shall only be available to
dependent children of the retiree in existence at the time of retirement (or born
subsequent to retirement with a spouse in existence at the time of retirement), and not to
subsequent stepchildren or natural children born with a subsequent spouse.
3. A retiree who subsequently obtains other full-time or full-time equivalent
employment, as defined by state law in which the retiree is employed,that offers
Healthcare Insurance shall not be covered by the City of Richmond's Healthcare Plan as
primary, with the City of Richmond's Healthcare Plan as secondary, if allowed by state or
federal law.
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Current retirees and current full-time employees that have signed up for the PERF DROP
Program prior to January 01, 2013 will still be eligible to remain on the City's Healthcare
Plan.
4. An eligible Retiree who has obtained subsequent insurance coverage through a
successor employer and later loses that coverage for any reason may re -enroll in the
City's insurance plan and be entitled to the above annual contribution toward such
insurance. If the Retiree re -enrolls during a calendar year, the City's contribution for that
calendar year shall be pro -rated on a monthly basis starting with the month that the
Retiree becomes eligible for coverage under the City's plan. All other Plan provisions,
including Pre -Existing conditions, shall apply.
5. The retiree's eligibility for Retiree health insurance benefits shall continue until the
Retiree or spouse becomes eligible for Medicare coverage as prescribed by 42 U.S.C.
1395, et. seq. The amount of the City's contributions to any retiree hereunder shall be
subject to subsequent modification through the collective bargaining process and any
resulting change in the terms of this Collective Bargaining Agreement, whether such
changes occur before or after a particular Retiree's effective date of retirement.
6. For purposes of this Article 28, an "Eligible Retiree" is defined to be any member of
the Richmond Fire Department who retires from active duty on the force, in good
standing, and with twenty (20) or more years of accredited service with the City of
Richmond as recognized in the particular retirement program in which the member is a
participant [i.e. The 1937 Firefighters Pension Fund (I.C. 36-8-6-1, et.seq.) or the 1977
Police Officers' and Firefighter' Pension and Disability Fund (I.C. 36-8-8-1, et. Seq.)] or
any member who, while an active member of the force, becomes disabled as determined
by the PERF Board.
7. The insurance contribution benefits hereunder shall only be available to those Eligible
retirees whose first effective date of retirement is on or after January 1, 1996, and to those
retirees and/or dependents of a retiree who are participating in the City's group health
insurance plan as of December 31, 1995.
ARTICLE 29
SENIORITY PROMOTIONS/DEMOTIONS/LATERAL MOVES
All promotions within the Richmond Fire Department except those ranks or job
classifications specifically excluded from coverage in this Agreement shall be made in a
timely fashion on a seniority basis after adequate notice to the members.
The most senior member requesting promotion and having met all required
certifications for the appropriate classification as set out in General Administrative Rule
655 IAC 1-1 for the State of Indiana shall receive the promotion on a probationary status.
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Certification and qualification for promoting to a supervisory capacity is, a
Certified Firefighter (with five (5) or more years of service with the Richmond Fire
Department) having met and been certified by the state of Indiana to have met NFPA Fire
Officer I & II requirements, Strategy And Tactics, Instructor I , Driver/Operator and
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Any Firefighter not meeting the above requirements, as of December 31, 2000,
must have successfully completed course work, certification requirements, and achieve
certification in Fire Officer I and Fire Officer 11 and EMT along with five (5) years of
service with the Richmond Fire Department prior to being eligible for work as a
Supervisor or receive promotion to Lieutenant. Certification for the rank of
Engineer/Driver Operator shall be established as successful completion of State
Firefighter II and Richmond Fire Departments Engineer/Driver Operator based on NFPA
1002.
This section refers to Squad 1 or any future primary EMS apparatus (i.e.
additional Squads). Both members must possess a minimum of EMT - Basic to be able to
work Squads.
Any Firefighter hired after January 1, 2001, who holds Emergency Medical
Technician Certifications must maintain their certification. All members of the
department will be required to hold and maintain, as condition of employment, the
minimum certification of Emergency Medical Technician by January Pt 2015. The only
exception to this will be; any member with 20 years or more, as of January 1, 2013, will
not be mandated to become EMT certified, they will be allowed the option of not
becoming EMT certified.
If, after six (6) months from time of promotion, the member receives a
satisfactory review and/or Chief does not remove said member from Classification,
his/her status is said to be permanent. He/she shall then receive his/her statutory rights.
When a member cannot successfully complete his/her probation, said member
will not be able to request promotion, in that same rank, for a period of six (6) months,
during such time that member will not be asked to work in the capacity of that rank, and
said member will be given clear expectations of the duties and responsibly for that rank
as spelled out in the Department's handbooks for each rank, and a re-evaluation process
will be administered to ensure that said member is now proficient at the duties of that
rank. When a member cannot successfully complete his/her probation, the next most
senior member having met all required certifications for the appropriate classification as
set out in General Administration Rule 655 IAC 1-1 for the State of Indiana, shall be
afforded the same opportunity.
Upon effective date of this Agreement, all members shall be grandfathered at the
rank they hold and promotions from the date shall be based upon the appropriate
certification. Seniority bid rights shall remain in effect until such time as all members
have been given the opportunity for appropriate training.
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A Training Committee shall be established consisting of representation of both
the City and Bargaining Unit to establish training to assist members of the Richmond Fire
Department to meet requirements for certification.
Moving by seniority: Whenever an opening in any job classification occurs, in
any firehouse or on any platoon, the most senior member with the necessary
qualifications shall be afforded the opportunity to fill said opening including lateral
moves.
Demotions that are requested by Firefighters, including those not otherwise
covered under this Agreement, shall be deemed voluntary demotions. Voluntary
demotions may be accomplished by participation in bidding on openings covered under
this Agreement. Non -bid voluntary demotions must be requested in writing to the Fire
Chief.
The Chief shall then fill the position of the Firefighter requesting demotion by bid
as applicable, or by appointment as consistent with this Agreement, at which time the
Firefighter requesting the demotion shall be afforded the opportunity to bid any opening
that his seniority and qualifications allow.
Demotions that are not voluntary shall be made in accordance with state law,
applicable rules and regulations of the Department, and this Agreement, and may result in
a Firefighter being returned to a rank and pay grade other than Firefighter, in which case
the Chief shall retain the right to assign such Firefighter temporarily or permanently to
such openings as exist during and after the course of the bid system.
The Fire Chief retains the right to make such temporary assignments as he deems
necessary to adequately provide for the public safety.
Exchange of assignments by Firefighters of equal rank may be requested in
writing to the Chief s office. The exchange will only take place if all Firefighters between
the two requesting the exchange do not desire either position.
Article 30
Physical Examinations and Physical Ability
Firefighters will take physical examinations annually in accordance with OSHA,
NFPA standards, and/or other federally mandated regulations, with the cost of the exam
to be paid for by the city. If the Firefighter does not pass the physical exam, he/she will
be placed on a professionally directed corrective program, the Firefighter will be
responsible for following the program. He/she shall have the option of being placed on
medical pension, (if criteria for such is met),or remain on said program until such time
that the Firefighter can pass the examination not to exceed one year. Cost of physicals
required for the Fire Pension proceedings will be paid for by the Pension Board. If
required to return to the Fire Department physician for clearance the City will pay for the
cost.
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Each Firefighter will be required to meet minimal yearly physical performance
standards. The performance standards will be administered on a yearly basis, any member
not meeting the standards will be placed on a corrective physical fitness program, not to
exceed one year, until the standard is met. The yearly physical evaluation will consist of
job related performance tasks. A committee will be formed, made up of two (2) persons
appointed by the Fire Chief and one (1) member appointed by the Union. This committee
will make certain that said program is developed based on nationally recognized
standards. The committee's goal will be to have said standards in place as soon as fiscally
possible. All members shall participate in an initial, (practice), Richmond Physical
Ability Test, (RPAT), once these standards have been established with implementation of
said standards no sooner than twelve (12) months after initial practice RPAT. The twelve
(12) month period between the practice RPAT and the actual implementation of the
RPAT will be set aside as a grace period for members to prepare to meet the developed
standards.
ARTICLE 31
NO STRIKE CLAUSE, LOCKOUT OR REDUCTIONS
The Union agrees that it shall, at no time, instigate or be party to, any strike,
slowdown, or other methods of interference to the efficient performance of the duty of the
Richmond Fire Department. The City agrees there will be no lockouts or manpower reduction
by layoffs within the Fire Department.
ARTICLE 32
WAGES
The annual pay for a probationary Firefighter shall be as follows:
2015 $38,711.65
2017 $39,485.88
The base pay for a Firefighter shall be as follows:
2015 2017
Firefighter $43,012.94 $43,873.20
Engineer $44,951.44 $45,850.47
Lieutenant $46,740.24 $47,675.04
LONGEVITY PAY
Longevity pay shall be calculated as follows:
Longevity pay for Firefighter's having four (4) or less years on the Department shall be as
follows:
YEAR
LONGEVITY PAY
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r> a
1. $500.00
2. $500.00
3. $1,200.00
4. $1,200.00
Longevity pay for Firefighter's with five (5) years of service or more, shall be
compensated at the following calculated rate:
One half of One percent of base pay rate, times Years of Service, minus One
year, plus $500.00.
All longevity pay, whether calculated under paragraph A or paragraph B above, shall
be paid in 26 equal installments of the year following the Firefighter's anniversary date on
which he/she became eligible for such longevity pay.
PARTIAL CONTRIBUTION BY CITY TO MEMBER'S PENSION AND DISABILITY FUND
The City shall contribute for each Firefighter as defined in Article 3 of this Agreement,
a sum of one percent (1%) of the salary of a First Class Firefighter to the appropriate pension
fund, as applicable to that particular member, as a partial employer contribution, as
contemplated by the provisions of Indiana Code I.C. 36-8-7-8(5) or by I.C. 36-8-8-8(A). The
sum of one percent (1%) contribution by the City effectively reduces the member's
contribution to the fund by one percent (1%). In addition, all employee contributions shall be
"tax deferred" pursuant to action by the City's Common Council.
The salary of a 1st Class Firefighter with twenty (20) years longevity will be the
certified salary for figuring pension contributions.
ARTICLE 33
SHIFT TRAINERS
Shift Trainers — One member from each shift with the added responsibility of following
the guidelines provided by the Chief of Operations in regard to consistent Fire and
Emergency Medical Training of each shift of personnel. No rank will be attached to this
position the member will receive a pay stipend for his added responsibility.
Duties - Shift Trainer is responsible for development of lesson plans to follow the
guidelines provided by the Chief of Operations and Battalion Chiefs. The Shift Trainer
will need to possess the ability to organize and communicate course curriculi tailored to
the local Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures of the Richmond Fire Department
as well standards set forth by the Public Safety Training Institute and maintain necessary
documentation. The Shift Trainer along with the Chief of Operations will be responsible
for providing and/or scheduling the annual minimum training for continuing
education/certifications for all members of the Richmond Fire Department.
Selection- Applications will be requested when a vacancy occurs. A member must be a
member of the shift for which he acts as Shift Trainer. The applicants education, training,
experience along with his skills and abilities will be considered. The final selection will
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be made from the qualified applicants by the Richmond Fire Chief and the Richmond
Fire Department Chief of Operations.
ARTICLE 34
LIGHT DUTY OR LIMITED/RESTRICTED DUTY POLICY
Light Duty:
Once a member has been released by their Physician to return to Light Duty, they
may return to work. The Chief's office may find work or duties such as (but not limited to)
answering phones, filing, data input, etc. for the member to perform within the limitations of
the Physician's orders.
Limited or Restricted Duty:
Once a member has been released by their Physician to return to Limited or
Restricted Duty, they may return to work. The Chief's office may temporarily assign said
member to duties such as Driver or Firefighter. However, once on the emergency scene,
duties will be found for you to do staying within the limitations of the Physician's orders.
These duties may include (but not limited to) Pump Operator with Helper, Assistant Pump
Operator, Safety Officer, Battalion Chief Aid, Rehab Attendant, etc.
Any member being released by their Physician to return to Light or Limited/Restricted
Duty will not exceed 365 consecutive days due to the fact that the Department does not
have any permanent light duty or limited/restricted duty positions. The Fire Chief, on a case
by case basis, may consider to grant additional time for rehabilitation of said member. If said
member cannot return to full duty status, disability pension proceedings may begin.
ARTICLE 35
EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION
Language in this Agreement shall be effective as of the 1st day of January 1 and
shall remain in full force and effect through the 31st day of December 2017.
Wages and benefits in this Agreement shall be effective as of the 1st day of January
2017, and the City and Union agree to open contract negotiations beginning on or about
February 1, 2017 for year 2018.
In the event that the parties have not reached a new agreement by the respective
contract expiration date set forth above, this agreement shall continue in full force and effect
for fifteen (15) months after the contract expiration date set forth above.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties, by their duly authorized representatives, execute
this Agreement as of the date first set forth above although signatures are affixed on the
dates below.
RICHMOND PROFESSIONAL
FIREFIGHTERS, INC., LOCAL 1408
of the International Association
of Firefighters AFL-CIO
THE CITY OF RICMOND, INDIANA
By and through its Board of Public
Works and Safety
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By: By:
Presi ent
B . By:
Secretary/Treasurer
Date: 2 ` Z" 1-7 By:
Member
Date: / —5-1 /
Approved By:
avid M. Snow, a
.. tri►
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