Health & Wellness
The Health and Wellness section ensures PBCFR operational employees, from recruit to retirement, are at the highest level of fitness to keep themselves and the public safe. The Wellness Coordinator makes certain that the mental and physical needs of operational employees are met by facilitating comprehensive care through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), workers' compensation, extended leave, and light duty programs. The Exercise Physiologist oversees the annual fitness assessments of all operational employees and directs the physical fitness training for recruit classes. They work together to maintain fit, healthy, and capable firefighters while ensuring their physical and mental well-being.
Records & Resources
The Records and Resources Bureau acts as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Officer. During Fiscal Year 2022, a monthly average of 525 public record requests were received and fulfilled under HIPAA Compliance Regulations. The Bureau is responsible for the safeguarding of health information, patient authorizations, subpoenas, and documentation of active investigations. The Bureau works with the Palm Beach County Attorney's Office, the State of Florida Attorney, and law firms throughout the county and is responsible for storing, retrieving, and retaining department records.
Payroll
The Payroll Section processes the bi-weekly pay for over 1,700 PBCFR employees. This includes prompt and accurate adjustments for all promotions, accruals, and schedule changes. They oversee the calculating and processing of payments for the supplemental long-term disability program, ensure computer and coding configuration for database compatibility, run audits to provide proper pay adjustments and maintain compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Internal Affairs
The Internal Affairs Section ensures the compliance of department policies and procedures by conducting fair and impartial investigations of internal and external concerns. They act as the department liaison to the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office as well as other local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies. This section also keeps the department informed on any situational awareness issues related to Fire Rescue.
Staffing
The Staffing Officer oversees the multiple rounds of annual unit bidding and vacation requests and tracks the credentials and promotions of over 1,700 Fire Rescue employees. In addition, they ensure that the scheduling of all stations and units is compliant with the requirements of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
