Polk County, I.A.E.P. Union Reach T...Polk County, I.A.E.P. Union Re...

Polk County, I.A.E.P. Union Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

Published: October 12, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 12, 2026) - Polk County leadership has reached a tentative three-year contract agreement with the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (I.A.E.P.).

The agreement includes a fourth shift, or D-shift and a pay increase.

Currently, the schedule is a 48-hour work week. With the addition of a fourth, or D-shift, they would work a 42-hour week, following a schedule of 24 hours on duty and 72 hours off.

"I am pleased we have reached a tentative agreement through our negotiations with I.A.E.P. I appreciate the collaborative efforts of everyone involved and look forward to presenting the agreement to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration in the near future,'' said Deputy County Manager Ryan Taylor.

Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Shawn Smith said he is also pleased with the tentative agreement.

"I think the tentative agreement is good for everyone,'' Smith said. "It includes the same D-shift as for the firefighters and includes a one step pay increase."

The new collective bargaining agreement, if ratified by the members and Board of County Commissioners, will remain in effect through Sept. 30, 2029.