Board Meeting Update - November 2021

SHERIFF'S EMPLOYEES' BENEFIT ASSOCIATION

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

In 2019, Bozek traveled with the Honor Guard to Washington, DC, to honor our nation’s fallen officers and their families. They also competed in the National Honor Guard Competition and Demonstration, which provides an opportunity for law enforcement organizations to perform ceremonious and patriotic tributes for public viewing. Bozek is pictured left, beside Deputy Jessica Gonzalez.

For Olivia Bozek, being a deputy sheriff is more than just enforcing the law.

Bozek (pictured left) joined the department in 2000 and is currently assigned to Public Affairs as the Special Projects Coordinator.

“We have so many people who work here that have big hearts and want to help the community,” said Bozek. “I like being able to show people that side of our employees. Not everyone sees that what we do goes way beyond arrests and incarceration.”

When Bozek is not busy highlighting the positive work of her colleagues, she also enjoys participating in school visits. Whether she is mentoring, reading to children at an elementary school or just talking to them on the playground, Bozek believes these interactions have a positive impact.

“Some of the kids have had negative meetings with law enforcement because of the things their parents or family members have done, so it’s important for them to see that we are there to help them,” said Bozek.

Shortly after joining Public Affairs, she had the opportunity to witness the behind-the-scenes action of the Honor Guard, as well as all their work in the community. She instantly “wanted to be a part of the team.”

The main purpose of the honor guard is to stand watch over deputy sheriffs who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. They are also utilized for special ceremonies and events.

“When we attend events, the community is so thankful we are there and seeing the kids eyes light up is pretty cool,” said Bozek. “Especially when little girls see you and realize that it’s a possibility for their future, too.”

Three years ago, Bozek and other members of the honor guard attended National Police Week in Washington, D.C., where they were called upon to escort families of the fallen to the Candlelight Vigil.

“I will always remember that night and the families,” said Bozek. “It was a humbling experience, and I was just so grateful to be there for them during such a difficult time and to show our support for their fallen officers.”

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

In this month's update, SEBA President Grant Ward covers the passing of one of our members, the SEBA golf tournament, National Police Week and this month’s Member Spotlight.

COVID-19 VACCINE INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR ALL SEBA MEMBERS

The County and SEBA have agreed to a MOU Side Letter which provides all SEBA members with a COVID-19 incentive as follows:

32 hours of leave time incentive (regular employees working 36 hours or more per week) or

16 hours of leave time incentive (regular employees working less than 36 hours per week)

SEBA respects the civil liberties of all members and knows the choice to vaccinate is personal. According to County data, roughly 40% of SEBA members are vaccinated and can take advantage of this incentive by filling out this online form. Those who plan to get vaccinated can take advantage of this incentive if they have proof of full vaccination uploaded no later than Wednesday, December 1, 2021. (Late submissions will not be accepted.)

Remember, there is a 21-28 day waiting period between shots, so members who want to take advantage of the incentive should make appointments immediately. Visit SBCovid19.com for information on the vaccine or to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also available at County-operated vaccination sites.

Once eligibility and proof of vaccination have been verified, you will receive the leave time by pay period 01/2022. Any unused leave hours at the end of 2022 will be automatically cashed out. See the SEBA side letter agreement for additional information.

For more information regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive Program, contact Director of Labor Relations Nancy Tate at (909) 885-6074

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW 2021-23 DESERT REGION DIRECTORS

The following candidates successfully submitted their Petition for Candidacy prior to the filing deadline and have accepted the nomination. Since each of the following nominees ran unopposed SEBA cancelled the station elections. The following candidates were sworn in at the November 3, 2021 Board of Directors Meeting:

President Grant Ward
Secretary Phil Jonas

Apple Valley Station – Felix Arreola
Barstow Station – Kevin Arlotti
Colorado River Station – Brian Weck
Court Services Desert – Russell Ballantyne
District Attorney Desert – Scott Taylor
Hesperia Station – Eric Getts
High Desert Detention Center – William Payne
Morongo Station – Aaron Halloway
Probation Corrections HDJDAC – Lashawndra Butler
Victor Valley Station – Jeff Collins
Victorville Station – Eshton Smith

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

HOLIDAY SHOP WITH A COP UPDATE

We are excited to partner up with our stations this year for another edition of Shop With A Cop. Just a reminder to our station directors that the final deadline to submit your Family Nomination Form is November 15.

For more information contact SEBA Events Director Mike Tulisiak.

CLICK HERE FOR FAMILY NOMINATION FORM (FOR STATION DIRECTORS ONLY)

For more information, contact SEBA Labor Representative Melissa Burroughs at (909) 885-6074 or via email

What 4850 means is largely misunderstood to the detriment of those who become injured while on duty. Due to the dangerous nature of our jobs, it is imperative to really understand what happens after a work-related injury. We are not only worried about the physical health of our members but their financial heath also, as the timelines and limits surrounding 4850 often have a huge monetary impact on those who are seriously injured.

We have all had a partner “out on 4850” or we have had the misfortune to be out on it ourselves. All have witnessed the frustration from supervision and partners as shifts must be covered by those who are already stretched super thin. This frustration turns law enforcement folks into instant doctors. They freely give their opinion of their partner’s condition and speculate about all the tax-free money their partner is receiving. This frustration and speculation has caused the stigma that surrounds 4850 time.

“4850” is used as a generic term for time off after an on-duty injury. 4850 is taken from Labor Code 4850. It is a paid leave of absence for specified public employees. This includes but is not limited to sheriffs, District Attorney Investigators, probation officers, and firefighters. It entitles them to a leave of absence, with full pay, without tax deduction, up to but not exceeding (1) year.

This is how it works:

Let’s say you were injured on January 1st and immediately reported it to your supervisor. Your supervisor filled out the appropriate paperwork, turned it in the same day and the County received it the same day. The County has 90 days from knowledge of the claim to accept or deny it. So, for the sake of this example, the County would have until March 31st to accept or deny the claim.

Typically, injured employees are given the option of participating in the Modified Duty Program. If your injury prevents you from participating in the Modified Duty Program or your employer can not accommodate the restrictions placed on you by your doctor, you would be put off work. If your injury has been accepted as an on-duty injury, you would start burning your 4850 time.

Another scenario is you are able to participate in the Modified Duty Program and you reach the last of the 180 days you are allowed on Modified Duty. You will be contacted by The Modified Duty Coordinator and informed that your time has run out and you can no longer participate in The Modified Duty Program. You must be cleared by your doctor to return to full duty without restrictions to return to work. If because of your injury, this is not an option; you go off work and begin burning your 4850 time.

One year seems like a long time, but when you are dealing with a Workers’ Compensation injury, it is like the blink of an eye. The first 90 days are taken up by the County’s investigation. The next 90 are consumed with doctor appointments and follow ups. Your treatment/surgery has not even been scheduled and you are halfway through the year (180 days). In the current Workers’ Compensation system, it is easy to spend 6 months and have very little progress. If you have been off on 4850 time, you have just burned through half of it.

When you are off on 4850 time, your job is to rest, make your doctor appointments and get better. The money you receive is tax free, but, it runs out quickly as it is only your salary for one year. The “extra” should be put away in savings to prepare for the lean times to come. And they will come.

BENEFIT HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH

'Tis the Season! Visit the SEBA Member Portal for more information regarding this year's Fire and Law Tribute Days at Knott's Merry Farm.

VIEW PRICES

EXECUTIVE BOARD

NEXT MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

DECEMBER 1, 2021 FROM NOON TO 2 PM

sebasbcountyNovember 4, 2021