HomeMy WebLinkAbout103.002 - Independent Education and Training
ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
103.002 INDEPENDENT EDUCATION AND TRAINING
EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 2007
Current Revision Date: 9/26/19 Next Revision Date: 9/26/22
Author’s Name/Rank:
French Lawrence,
Administrative Battalion Chief Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Sherrie L. Badertscher,
Management Analyst II
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to institute guidelines to govern tuition reimbursement
and Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) time off for educational courses or
specialized training classes for members.
APPLICATION
Due to financial hardships facing the City of Fresno (City) and the Department,
effective February 1, 2010, the Department suspended participation in the
Tuition Reimbursement program.
The policy described below is no longer in effect. Members seeking financial
assistance with qualifying course work are directed to review Administrative
Manual, Section 104.013, Sub-Joint Apprenticeship Committee (SUB-JAC)
OPERATIONAL POLICY
Requests for financial assistance and/or Departmental time off must be submitted
through channels to the fire chief, with recommendations from the appropriate
deputy chief or division manager. APPROVAL IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO
COMMENCING A CLASS. Tuition reimbursement requests will be submitted
no later than three (3) weeks before the course is scheduled to begin.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
In accordance with the policies set forth in the City’s Administrative Order Manual,
the Department encourages all members to expand their education by attending
available training within the limits established in this policy. Educational courses and
specialized training classes are offered through state colleges and universities,
private organizations, and fire training facilities.
Section 103.002
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However, due to operational and budgetary restrictions, requests for time off from
duty and for financial assistance by the Department cannot be liberally granted. The
following criteria are hereby established to govern tuition reimbursement and
Departmental time off.
PROCESS
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Financial assistance is primarily restricted to availability of budgeted funds.
Approval of classes or training is at the discretion of the fire chief.
DEPARTMENTAL TIME OFF:
Departmental time off is to be granted to members who are assigned by Fire
Administration to attend educational and training classes during regular duty hours.
Time off for attendance of voluntary training is contingent upon the direct benefit to
the City and to the Department. Such release time may be granted upon approval of
the fire chief and the city manager.
PRIORITY:
Education and training reimbursement is approved, depending upon availability of
funds, in the following priority:
1. Education and training directly related to the member's present
position, administrative assignment or project(s).
2. Preparation for promotion to a position in the member's vocational or
professional field, or in a closely related field of work
Reimbursement is not provided for course work leading to degrees outside the
member's career field or for course work of general or personal interest.
Note: Training and educational bulletins distributed by the Department
are not to be construed to have implied approval for attendance.
INFORMATION
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Section 103.002
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
Administrative Manual
Section 104.013, Sub-Joint Apprenticeship Committee (SUB-JAC)
Section 103.002
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