Firefighters’ annual fitness test now mandatory
BROOKSVILLE –
Most county firefighters are already doing their annual physical exam to meet the demands of their job.
But as of Tuesday, that test is mandatory.
County commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a clause in the Hernando County Fire Rescue District union contract for 2010-11 that requires all members not assigned to light duty to complete an annual physical fitness evaluation.
Those firefighters who pass it will receive an award of 12 hours additional vacation time, according to a contract amendment.
Firefighters now have the option of completing the fitness test.
Union members already voted to approve amendments to their contract agreement and the physical fitness clause was one of the changes.
Public Safety Director Mike Nickerson said most firefighters already take the test. Only a few opt out, he said. But he wanted to get the wording in the contract to make it official.
Should a firefighter or emergency medical technician fail the test, he or she will be placed on an action plan for physical fitness, Nickerson said.
Nickerson said the test includes donning a breathing apparatus, carrying hose, dragging a rescue dummy, climbing a ladder and other work-related agility duties.
“We’re not asking anyone to lift weights or do somersaults,” Nickerson said.
County Commissioner Wayne Dukes said he wanted to make sure that if firefighters are going to get rewarded with vacation days, they better be given the full complement of tests so taxpayers can get value for their money.
Even so, Dukes said he had reservations about the program.
“I’ve never seen anyone rewarded for doing their job but that’s just me,” Dukes said.
And for the third consecutive year, there will be no across-the-board cost of living increase for employees in fiscal year 2010-11. “Step” increases of 2.5 percent will continue for lower-level and newer hires.
County Commissioner John Druzbick said he wanted to explore the possibility that when it comes time to negotiate next year’s contract, automatic step increases will not be granted if the revenue is not there.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting:
• County commissioners voted 5-0 to revise a master plan that allows the operators of the Florida Classic Dog Park east of Brooksville to expand its hours and allow more dog shows.
Several residents spoke against the proposal saying the lights and noise from the 50-acre park on the east side of Lockhart Road is already interfering with their quality of life.
Realtor Gary Schraut, representing property owners, said the area is zoned for the shows and neighbors knew that going in.
County Commission Chairman Jim Adkins told Schraut to do what he can to monitor the noise levels and respect neighbors’ rights.
The rezoning allows operators to increase the number of events from seven to 15. It also permits them to hold events other than dog shows.
• The board approved staff to offer a conditional contract to Brian Malmberg, who will fill the vacant county engineer position. Malmberg, who graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, will make $75,000 annually.
His last job was as design engineer with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.
Malmberg is scheduled to start March 7.
• As a streamlining measure, commissioners voted unanimously to try on a 30-day trial basis a partially automated telephone attendant system for the main switchboard into the government center.
A recording will prompt callers for the seven most frequently requested numbers and then direct people to an operator for all other numbers.
For the past two years, calls have been answered by the communications division staff in the Government Broadcasting office and, when necessary, were forwarded to the Human Resources Division.
During September to October 2010 the county received 3,130 calls.
Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or [email protected].
