MOUNT VERNON – Firefighters and police officers who were working for Mount Vernon before mid-June 2022 and who are still on the payroll will get a $4,000 bonus thanks to federal funding.
Fire Chief Chad Christopher said the American Rescue Plan Act funds can be used for retention incentives.
“That’ll make them very happy. That will help out quite a bit especially around this time of year with Christmas and all that stuff coming up,” he said.
Both departments applied for the ARPA grant funding, which was approved.
Mayor Matt Starr said that 37 firefighters and 29 police officers may be eligible for the bonuses.
The Fire Department scheduled a test on Oct. 11 for firefighters/paramedics. One opening will be filled immediately and another is anticipated in the first half of 2024 because of a planned retirement, Christopher said.
The test will be at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at the Knox County Career Center. Applications are available online and at the Safety Service Director's office or the Civil Service Office in City Hall at 40 Public Square, Mount Vernon.
Candidates must be at least 18 years old and not yet 41 years old. The firefighter’s agility test also will be required for individuals who pass the written test on Oct. 11.
For the complete job description and an application, visit https://mountvernonohio.org/careers/.
Two new part-time firefighters started their probationary periods. Jared Reffitt and Macey Bates joined the department as firefighter II/EMTs.
Fire hydrant flushing began on Tuesday and will run through the end of September. Christopher said the department is flushing the north end of the city.
Plans are shaping up for Fire Prevention Week, with an open house scheduled at the fire station on Oct. 12.
Fire Department wins softball tourney
On Labor Day weekend the Fire Department, Police Department and Knox County Sheriff’s Department took part in the annual PAK United Law Enforcement Softball Tournament.
“I am proud to say that the Fire Department came up with the championship,” Christopher said.
The firefighters won last year’s tournament also, he said.
He said the game he watched was well attended by family and friends in the community.
Police Department searching for a new captain
Capt. Scott McKnight retired from the Mount Vernon Police Department as of Sept. 2, Starr said.
“We are starting the process of finding a new police captain which will probably move some other officer positions, supervisory positions, they’ll open up as well,” he said.
