Polk Firefighters Get Paid "Kelly Day" Under New Contract With County

A new three-year collective bargaining agreement between the Polk County Professional Firefighters I.A.F.F., Local 3531 and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners will allow for "significant improvements to employee compensation and scheduling," according to a statement released by the BoCC.

In addition to providing fire-response and "advanced life support transport" to all residents unincorporated Polk County, the department provides fire suppression, rescue services and fire prevention services to the municipalities of Eagle Lake, Polk City, Mulberry, Lake Hamilton and Hillcrest Heights from some 45 station locations across the county.

Robert Connors

Polk County firefighters are responsible for combating flames ion unincorporated areas across the county, such as this fire in the Ridge Manor area of Lake Wales which occured in January.

Polk County firefighters normally work a 24-hour shift every third day on a rotating schedule. The agreement includes the introduction of a paid 24-hour "Kelly Day" every seventh shift as part of a 21-day cycle, giving firefighters an extra opportunity to rest and recreate.

"Other agencies have successfully implemented Kelly Days into their staffing plans," said Deputy County Manager Joe Halman. "The introduction of Kelly Days will help reduce fatigue, support mental health and improve work-life balance while maintaining full pay. Combined with competitive compensation, these improvements ensure Polk County remains a strong and reliable provider of emergency services."

The agreement covers bargaining units for all county firefighters from entry level up to Battalion Chiefs, and will be in effect Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2028. The Kelly Day schedule is expected to be implemented by Oct. 12, 2026.

The contract also includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment plus a 4.1% pay raise for the first and third years of the contract and bargaining unit members will receive a 4.1% pay raise in the second year. Kelly Days will not affect a bargaining unit member's annual salary.

"The 2025-2028 collective bargaining agreement is the result of successful negotiations between Polk County Government administrators and the I.A.F.F. bargaining units," said Katelyn Hoverkamp, Polk County media relations officer in a statement. "It reflects the county's continued commitment to strengthening public safety services and supporting the personnel who provide them."