(a) In the Division of Fire, Department of Public Safety, Grade 1 Firefighters shall consist of firefighters who have continuously served in the Division for four full years or who, in the judgment of the Director of Public Safety, have acquired equivalent training and experience in the division of fire in some other city. Grade 2 Firefighters shall consist of firefighters who have served continuously in the Division for more than two years. Grade 3 Firefighters shall consist of firefighters who have served in the Division for less than two years. There shall be no increase in salary to a firefighter by reason of such grouping until certified by the Director of Public Safety.
(b) Firefighters who are accepted for employment with the Division of Fire and who have had experience with fire departments in other communities are certified as Firefighters Grade 1, shall be hired at the grade of Firefighter Grade 3 and will serve in that group for a period of not less than six months. After that time, they shall be promoted to Grade 2, upon recommendation of the Fire Chief, and serve in Grade 2 for a period of not less than two years. After such time, they shall be promoted to Grade 1 upon recommendation of the Fire Chief.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, and in consideration of the collective bargaining agreement between the City and Local #382 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO, in addition to the salary specified in original Ordinance 19-92, passed February 18, 1992, any sworn personnel who are exempt from representation by the recognized bargaining unit shall be entitled to any and all benefits afforded the members of such bargaining unit. This provision shall apply to the Executive Assistant Chief and the Chief of Fire, save for overtime benefits, to which the Chief of Fire shall not be entitled.
(Ord. 19-92. Passed 2-18-92.)