Kokomo Fire Department revises Merit Handbook to require certification within first year after promotion

The Kokomo Fire Department on Feb. 17 approved revisions to two Merit Commission Handbook provisions to make promotions probationary for the first year and require promoted employees to obtain required driver/operator certifications during that probationary period. The change, presented by Josh Rodeball, Local 396 president, was approved by the body after brief discussion and a motion to accept the revisions.

The revisions stem from a union proposal, said Josh Rodeball, Local 396 president. "The change of this language will put it more in line with the Indiana Code," Rodeball said, adding that making promotions probationary for the first year would "allow the language change in there to be able to receive the pumper operator certificate and/or aerial certificate" during that probationary year. Rodeball told members the department and union have the full seven-step process in place so candidates can complete training steps and certifications within that window.

Members asked whether certifications are distinct. Member (Unidentified Speaker 3) asked if pumper and aerial operation are separate certifications; Rodeball replied they are "two separate certifications" and described them as hands-on qualifications. Member (Unidentified Speaker 2) outlined the department's driver/operator categories — including pumper, aerial (ladder), tanker and crash-truck operator qualifications — and said the department’s general driver/operator qualification typically qualifies a firefighter for promotion to a chauffeur position. He added that most current staff already hold pumper certification and that the aerial/ladder certification has been made available in the last one to two years.

Discussion also covered training logistics. Members noted weather and seasonal constraints: running hands-on classes in spring and summer makes it easier for candidates to complete requirements within the proposed probationary year. Rodeball said removing the phrase "when available" from the handbook will eliminate ambiguity about when certifications must be completed and will "bring us up to speed and no more gray area."

After discussion, the presiding officer moved to accept the two revisions; a motion to second was made and affirmative votes were recorded with no opposition noted in the transcript. The motion to adopt the handbook changes carried. The meeting then proceeded to a motion to adjourn, which was seconded, and the presiding officer declared the meeting adjourned.

The transcript does not record individual roll-call votes or a detailed vote tally for the handbook revisions; the recorded record shows affirmative responses and no recorded opposition. The handbook change will take effect according to the department's usual implementation process and any additional steps required by the Merit Commission.