Title
Authorizing the Committee on Labor and Civil Service to hold public hearings to review the decision of the Philadelphia Fire Department to demote nine Fire Lieutenants and five Fire Captains after their recent promotion this past May.
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WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Fire Department provides Fire Protection Services and Fire Prevention services to the Citizens of Philadelphia.
WHERAS, On May 14, 2013, Judge Leon Tucker ordered the City to fill the 14 budgeted promotional positions using the then current promotional list.
WHEREAS, On May 30, 2013, Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers met with 14 individuals in his office and promoted five individuals to Fire Captain, and nine individuals to Fire Lieutenant.
WHERAS, After all members were given their promotions they were instructed to change their uniforms to their new rank and were given clothing allowances to buy a new dress uniform coat to coincide with their updated position.
WHERAS, In September 2013, the City of Philadelphia issued a new promotional list and none of these 14 individuals were on that list.
WHEREAS, The Fire Department issued a memorandum on September 23, 2013 stating that all of these promotions would be rescinded and all individuals would be demoted and reassigned to different positions.
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Civil Service Commission has specific regulations regarding temporary appointments under Civil Service Regulation 12, titled "Limited-Term Appointments". At no point did any of these 14 individuals affirmatively accept their appointment with the understanding that the position was temporary.
WHEREAS, Not one of these individuals has been certified as rejected by the Fire Department as is required by Civil Service Regulation 14 titled "Probationary Period".
WHEREAS, these individuals were invited to attend a promotional ceremony on July 17, 2013 with their families and honored as newly promoted Fire Captains and Fire Lieutenants by Fire Commissioner Llo...
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