Coronavirus Bonus Pay Planned For HoCo Emergency Personnel

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Full-time, on-site essential employees required to perform mission-critical work in Howard County will receive a $1,500 bonus and those who are intermittently on site will receive a $600 bonus thanks to executive order signed Thursday by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

The order defines emergency personnel as firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, 911 operators, public works personnel, emergency management personnel, employees with training, skill or expertise necessary to operate specialized equipment or to provide aid in a declared emergency, including for a catastrophic health emergency and other employees who provide support functions in their agencies and whose work is not able to be performed through telework.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the extraordinary efforts of our workforce to keep everyone in our community safe, ensure the welfare of our residents, and provide the essential services that our community relies upon,” said Ball in a statement. “We recognize the dedication and commitment of our employees and appreciate their patience as we’ve navigated this uncertain time. We want to do what’s right and keep our workers safe as they serve our community.”

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Employees who are eligible for COVID-19 Response Pay will be identified by department heads, with payments expected to go out on May 8.

"We appreciate Dr. Ball's recognition of the alarming impacts that COVID-19 is having on law enforcement officers. As we continue to serve and protect our communities, I ask that you all keep every first responder, medical professional and front line personnel in your thoughts and prayers during these unprecedented times,” said Jamie Flynn, president of Howard County Police Officers' Association - FOP Lodge 21.

"Our members are on the front lines, facing this crisis head on while their home life and family hardships are forced to take a backseat. They remain committed to the protection of Howard County residents and visitors, even at great personal risk. It has always been our focus to look after the members we serve while they look after the citizens. We cannot thank County Executive Ball enough for recognizing them for their tenacity and hard work,” added Richard L. Ruehl, president of the Howard County Professional Fire Fighters Association - IAFF Local 2000.

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