Ask the PBA

**Matt Puckett** · 02-18-2014, 02:02 PM

Here's PBA General Counsel Hal Johnson presenting before the Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining yesterday. You can watch his comments beginning at the 59:00 mark.

http://thefloridachannel.org/videos/217 ... argaining/

**Matt Puckett** · 02-18-2014, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by Qwerty 12345

Matt, my question is about retirement. I am approaching 52 years of age.According to FRS I must join DROP by 52. According to the FRS Website if you had prior civilian time in FRS you can defer your entry into DROP until age 57. Here's where the dilemma comes in. When I Was first hired by FHP I was a non sworn employee. I continued in that status for sometime, until my Academy time was converted to high risk service, without my consent. I do not want my Academy time to be included as high risk. I would like to join DROP after I get my Average Final Compensation elevated to a level where I can afford to retire, which will be closer to age 55. Is there any way or loophole where I can get the Academy time at non high risk, since I was NOT sworn before joining FHP.

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.

You have an interesting dilemma. Typically the officers I speak with want the academy time converted into Special Risk. However, I understand why you do not.

Please call me so I can ask you some specific questions and see if any options are available to you. 1-800-733-3722

**Matt Puckett** · 02-18-2014, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by Matt Puckett

Originally Posted by Guest

Matt, the word is that FHP is trying to change the hireback/ policies on power details. They are trying to suspend troopers for a month if they cancel two jobs with in a 30 day period. Wow just wow!! Even if you have back ups and you can find a trooper that wants to work the job. Even tho the job is filled, FHP still wants to suspend the trooper. Whats the unions take on that??? It's ridiculous. FHP and this colonel. Always looking for a way to screw the trooper. Unveliabable!!!!!!

I will get back to you on this one.

I spoke with President Smith about this one. He is tracking this down.

02-25-2014, 02:02 AM

Matt, there was an Ilearn that came out earlier this year. Have him check there best I remember it stated if you cancel a certain number of times your privilege to work off-duty will be suspended.

02-26-2014, 07:19 PM

Oklahoma just got approved for huge raises of more than twenty percent. Is there any chance we could get anything even close to that?

02-26-2014, 07:56 PM

LMFAO !!!!!!!

02-26-2014, 09:04 PM

Mr. Puckett,

I just wanted to let you know that I've been following the Death Threat Against FHP Trooper story and I'm very thankful for the PBA's involvement on this. Your actions may have saved a trooper's life and, by holding our department's feet to the fire, you have probably made this a safer place to work. Special thanks goes out to Bill Smith too, as he helped make the PBA shine on this! If anyone thinks we don't need a union, they must not mind going to police funerals.

02-26-2014, 10:08 PM

Matt,
I know there is talk about a Health Savings Account system but is there any talk about our health insurance premiums going up?

Thanks

**Matt Puckett** · 02-26-2014, 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by Grateful

Mr. Puckett,

I just wanted to let you know that I've been following the Death Threat Against FHP Trooper story and I'm very thankful for the PBA's involvement on this. Your actions may have saved a trooper's life and, by holding our department's feet to the fire, you have probably made this a safer place to work. Special thanks goes out to Bill Smith too, as he helped make the PBA shine on this! If anyone thinks we don't need a union, they must not mind going to police funerals.

I'm glad Chip DeBlock and his moderators monitor what is posted and step in on matters like this. Says a lot about the quality of LEOaffairs.

Bill Smith always does the right thing and he truly cares for all of you and the patrol.

I am thankful we are not dealing with a senseless tragedy.

**Matt Puckett** · 02-26-2014, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by Guest

Matt,
I know there is talk about a Health Savings Account system but is there any talk about our health insurance premiums going up?

Thanks

I haven't seen much about increasing health insurance premiums, but it is early. These accounts are reimbursement accounts and are popular with many of our local agencies. Still learning how they will work if the proposal goes forward.