Polk County and Firefighters Union ...Polk County and Firefighters U...

Polk County and Firefighters Union Tentatively Agree Upon D-Shift

Published: July 14, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (July 14, 2026) - Polk County officials met today with representatives of the Polk County Professional Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 3531 to discuss amendments to the current collective bargaining agreement, including terms to introduce a fourth shift, tentatively effective Oct. 1, 2027.

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.

"We're working hard to reach our hiring goals to ensure we have the staffing needed. Now we're looking to do even more for our firefighters by creating a schedule that supports mental health, improves work-life balance and promotes overall health and quality of life," said Deputy County Manager Ryan Taylor.

The D-shift is tentatively scheduled to begin Oct. 1, 2027.

"I've been a part of this organization a long time, and it's a great feeling knowing Polk County Fire Rescue is joining the pacesetters that have adopted a D-shift," Polk County Fire Chief Shawn Smith said.

Only a handful of fire departments in Florida have adopted a D-shift schedule.

"This is really about our members and giving them a better quality of life and more time with their families," Smith said. "It says a lot about the type of organization we are at Polk County Fire Rescue."

The current collective bargaining agreement remains in effect through Sept. 30, 2028, and covers firefighters from entry-level positions through battalion chiefs.