Conditional Probationary Status Dropped

At last night's SSFD's Board of Trustees meeting, the Conditional Probationary Status was dropped. This particular status was implemented a number of years ago due to the excessive time it took a new member to complete his/her basic requirements of the Department. This allowed a delay in the start of the 12 month probationary time frame. Conditional Probationary Status was not a part of the By-Laws.

Based on several changes the Department has made the Conditional status is no longer required. The most significant change is requiring members to participate in the VBOC conducted by the County Association. This course runs 8 +/- weeks.

Members completing the VBOC will have obtained their physical, background check, face piece fit test, CPR, Cultural Diversity, EEO, all NIMS on-line courses, etc. When they return to us they will be ready for riding as an observer as they await the start of the EMT class.

New members, following induction into the Department, are required to attend two successive SSFD orientation classes prior to the VBOC. With the VBOC only offered on a quarterly basis, new members, while waiting the course start, are required to do a weekly, non-riding, standby of 4 hours.

Members who are now in the Conditional Probationary Status will be moved to a Probationary Status at next month's membership meeting. Each individuals' status will be reviewed to determine the effective date; most will be retroactive to when they were taken into the Department. Those members, still in a Conditional Status, who have failed to complete County and Department requirements will be given completion dates.