To date, fire chiefs managing volunteer and combination departments have struggled with conflicting interpretations about how to implement Fair Labor Standards Act rules. A resource to assist chiefs in that effort is now available in the form of a new publication from the International Association of Fire Chiefs: Managing Volunteer Firefighters for FLSA Compliance.

In his introduction to the FLSA Guide, IAFC President Chief Jim Harmes says, “For nearly two decades, fire chiefs have been confused by differing interpretations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. To bring order to this issue, the IAFC sought and gained from the Department of Labor a series of letter rulings to clearly define the requirements that individuals must meet to qualify as a volunteer firefighter under FLSA regulations. The IAFC has published this brochure as a guide for fire chiefs and community leaders to better manage volunteer firefighters for FLSA compliance.”

Garen E. Dodge, Esq., and Maria L. Mullarkey, Esq. provided the legal expertise within the FLSA Guide, and Alan Caldwell of the IAFC Government Relations Department and Chief Gary Scott of the Campbell County Fire Department provided the fire service perspective.

Managing Volunteer Firefighters for FLSA Compliance is available for purchase through the IAFC Web site. For more details go to www.iafc.org.