In 2020, during the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic, county correctional officers and detention deputies were deemed essential first responders and were made to leave their families everyday during the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic to risk their lives by working in our state's prisons and jails. The conditions were absolutely horrific and many correctional officers (219 correctional officers died from Covid-19 in 2020 according to One Voice) and inmates died during these most tragic of times. In 2021, county correctional officers and detention deputies received the first round of recognition payments for sworn law enforcement officers and essential first responders from Governor DeSantis.
Now, when you read the following excerpts cited directly from the Governor's website keep in mind that in 2022 the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) informed county correctional officers and detention deputies that they were no longer eligible to receive the 2nd round of recognition payments for sworn law enforcement officers and essential first responders.
IF YOU ARE NOT OUTRAGED...YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION!!!
"On March 31, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis in Ponte Vedra Beach and West Palm Beach to announce that Florida first responders employed by local governments will receive $1,000 bonuses in 2022. This was the second consecutive year of bonuses for first responders including police officers, sheriff’s deputies, paramedics, EMTs and firefighters throughout the state. The bonuses are included in the 2022-23 budget passed by the Florida Legislature during the 2022 Legislative Session." (DeSantis, 2022)
"On September 12, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis stated these recognition payments were a part of the Freedom First Budget signed by the Governor earlier this year, in addition to historic legislation that supports Florida’s law enforcement and first responders. Eligible recipients of the first responder recognition bonus payments are police officers, sheriff’s deputies, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters employed by local governments throughout the state." (DeSantis, 2022)
“Florida supports our first responders because these men and women put on their uniforms every day to serve and protect,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “These bonuses are a token of our appreciation for the work that they do and the sacrifices they make to keep Florida safe. I am happy to deliver the bonuses for a second year in a row!” (DeSantis, 2022)
The Thin Silver Line Alliance is committed to doing whatever is reasonable and legally plausible in order to have county CJSTC sworn and certified county correctional officers and detention deputies paid the second round of recognition payments that we deserve and are legally owed.
For More Information Please Visit:
https://www.wfla.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/591228807/the-thin-silver-line-alliance-asks-governor-desantis-why-corrections-officers-are-not-getting-first-responder-1k-bonus/
