Polk County, Firefighters Union Agr...Polk County, Firefighters Unio...

Polk County, Firefighters Union Agreement Heads to Vote

Published: September 30, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2026) - Polk County officials met today with representatives of the Polk County Professional Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 3531 to discuss a new three-year collective bargaining agreement, including terms to introduce a fourth shift, effective no later than Oct. 1, 2027.

Currently, the traditional firefighter schedule includes three shifts - A, B and C - and a 56-hour workweek, with firefighters working 24 hours on duty followed by 48 hours off.

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

"I'm very pleased with the outcome of the negotiations. This agreement is a win-win for both sides and positions Polk County as a leader in fire services while reinforcing our commitment to our firefighters and the residents we serve,'' said Deputy County Manager Ryan Taylor.

Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith said he was pleased to be adding a fourth shift.

"I think the addition of the fourth shift, D-shift, will improve the work-life balance for our members. It gives them more recovery time off and is a boost for the morale and culture of our department,'' said Fire Chief Shawn Smith.

The new collective bargaining agreement, if ratified by the members and Board of County Commissioners, will remain in effect through Sept. 30, 2029, and covers firefighters from entry-level positions through battalion chiefs.