Title
Resolution to Approve A Distribution from the City's Police and Firemen's Relief Fund ($25,000)
Memorandum
The attached resolution seeks approval of a $25,000 distribution from the Police and Firemen's Relief Fund ("Fund") for the benefit of the spouses or orphans of the following firefighter: Training Officer Craig Sidelinger.
The Fund was created by the City in 1926, and proceeds were to be used for the benefit of "the widows and orphans of firemen and policemen." The original language establishing the Fund provided that distributions from the Fund may be made "upon recommendation by the [Police Chief and Fire Chief] to the [City] Council and its action thereon." From 1926 until approximately 1972, the Fund was funded through proceeds from the sale of unclaimed personal property in the City. Although the City no longer contributes to the Fund, the City continues to act as Trustee and is required by law to administer the Fund as a trust.
The City made its first distribution in recent memory from the fund ($50,000) in approximately November of 2006 for the benefit of the spouse and children of Firefighter Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt, who died in the line-of-duty on January 13, 2006. Since that time, the City has taken an active interest in ensuring that distributions from the Fund happen in a standardized fashion and for the benefit of the stated Fund beneficiaries. In 2019, distributions of $25,000 each ($100,000 total) were made to the families of Police Lieutenant Lyle Sartori, Police Officer Jason Zogaib, Police Officer Vada Murray, and Driver/ Operator (Firefighter), Daniel Armitage, all of whom passed away while actively employed by the City.
The City, pursuant to the recommendation of Police Chief, Michael Cox, and Fire Chief, Mike Kennedy, wishes to make a distribution in the amount of $25,000 from the Fund to the spouse of Training Officer Craig Sidelinger. TO Sidelinger served the City from March 13, 2000, to November 23, 2020, when he rec...
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