H-2 - TFD SAFER Higher Education Program Policy

“Successful completion” means the member has passed the course with a C or better on an equivalent grading scale. POLICY: This policy creates a tuition assistance for higher education program with tuition reimbursement and textbook reimbursement activities under the 2021 SAFER grant award. Courses are not limited to firefighter training or education. Only tuition payments for classes offered and taken during the period of performance are allowable. Payments for student loans are not eligible for funding. Courses must be taken at an accredited college or university. Courses or books must not be covered by a scholarship. Actual costs will be paid on a reimbursable basis. To receive reimbursement, students must successfully complete all classes and meet all rules and requirements set by the Department. The member must provide proof of successful completion of coursework and receipts to the Program Manager (Fire Marshal) via email within 15 days of course completion and payment to the educational institution. Upon proof of successful completion and Program Manager approval, the City will issue a check payable to the member for reimbursement. Tuition Assistance Program Eligibility Recruits (probationary firefighters) who are not certified Firefighter I, Firefighter II, or EMT are not eligible for this program or its activities. A recruit (probationary firefighter) who is certified Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and EMT may be eligible under this category upon successful completion of the Department’s minimum training requirements and written approval to begin operational responses. Members who are certified Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and EMT are eligible for the tuition assistance program. A member who is enrolled in a Firefighter II course and who will complete the course and take the certification test prior to the end of the semester for which the member has applied for tuition assistance will be eligible for tuition assistance. A medical only member who is certified as an EMT and meets the Department’s minimum EMS requirements is eligible for this program. 2