Letter From Jim Johnson/Guidance on Probationary Employees
As you are most likely aware, DoD agencies were required to provide lists of probationary employees to DoD this week. In some cases, agencies other than DoD that employ civilian firefighters have also been required to do the same. Many DoD facilities and bases are notifying locals and/or probationary employees via the commanders or fire department managers that the probationary employees' names have been provided to DoD as required.
While public safety positions were designated exempt from the Administration’s current hiring freeze, currently, there is no blanket exemption for fire protection probationary employees that would prevent them from being terminated under the Administration's widespread terminations. That said, sub-agencies (for example, AF, Navy, Army) can ask for waivers for critical positions, and DoD and other Agency Heads can exempt probationary employees deemed critical.
Please know that IAFF Senior Staff and the District are working on several fronts to ensure that DoD and other Agency Heads are aware of the critical nature of fire protection positions, including those occupied by probationary employees. Ultimately, however, the decision on waivers and exceptions for probationary employees rests with the various Agency Heads, including DoD.
As a precaution, please ensure that any probationary fire protection personnel at your facility are aware of the situation and have them download or copy their records in their eOPF (Personnel Folder) including copies of any SF-50’s in their eOPF. They may not have access to that information in the future should DoD or other Agency Heads decide not to grant any waivers/exceptions.
As soon as more information is available, I will provide an update.
James B. Johnson
16th District Vice President
Federal Fire Fighters
International Association of Fire Fighters
(202) 360-1318
