Board of Estimate and Contract:
RESOLVED, that an Ordinance adopted by the City Council on June 12, 2026, and signed by the Mayor on June 15, 2026, the Creation of One (1) Additional Deputy Fire Chief Position and the Promotion of Fire Captain Rodney Samson to the Position of Contingent Permanent Deputy Fire Chief in the Mount Vernon Fire Department - (funding for the position is available within Budget Code A3410.101 and the creation of such a position is deemed to be in the best interests of the City of Mount Vernon and its residents); be, and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CREATION
OF ONE (1) ADDITIONAL DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF
POSITION AND THE PROMOTION OF FIRE
CAPTAIN RODNEY SAMSON TO THE POSITION
OF CONTINGENT PERMANENT DEPUTY FIRE
CHIEF IN THE MOUNT VERNON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Whereas, by correspondence dated June 1, 2026, the Commissioner of the Fire Department requested the creation of one (1) additional position of Deputy Fire Chief within the Mount Vernon Fire Department, subject to all applicable provisions of the Civil Service Law, City Charter, City Code, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable rules and regulations; and
Whereas, the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the importance of maintaining effective leadership, operational readiness, and continuity of command within the Mount Vernon Fire Department; and
Whereas, the Fire Department is currently experiencing significant overtime expenditures associated with staffing and supervisory coverage within the rank of Deputy Fire Chief; and
Whereas, Deputy Fire Chief Edward Stevenson has indicated his intention to retire upon receipt of a determination from the New York State and Local Retirement System and has expressed his desire to retire during the summer of 2026; and
Whereas, the anticipated retirement of Deputy Fire Chief Stevenson necessitates proactive planning to ensure continuity of leadership and uninterrupted fire service operations; and
Whereas, Fire Captain Rodney Samson is a highly qualified member of the Mount Vernon Fire Department, having attended the Mount Vernon Public Schools and graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1991, and has demonstrated the experience, professionalism, and leadership necessary to assume greater responsibilities within the Department; and
Whereas, the appointment of Fire Captain Rodney Samson to the position of Contingent Permanent Deputy Fire Chief will assist in reducing overtime costs and provide additional supervisory capacity within the Department; and
Whereas, the duties of the Deputy Fire Chief include assisting the Chief of Operations in the administration, planning, coordination, and management of Fire Department operations and personnel, as well as ensuring efficient deployment of resources and maintenance of public safety services; and
Whereas, funding for the position is available within Budget Code A3410.101 and the creation of such a position is deemed to be in the best interests of the City of Mount Vernon and its residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Creation of Position. The City Council hereby authorizes the creation of one (1) additional position of Deputy Fire Chief within the Mount Vernon Fire Department, subject to all applicable provisions of the Civil Service Law, City Charter, City Code, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable rules and regulations.
Section 2. Authorization of Promotion. The City Council hereby authorizes the promotion of Fire Captain Rodney Samson to the position of Contingent Permanent Deputy Fire Chief, subject to certification and approval by the appropriate civil service authorities and compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Section 3. Duties and Responsibilities. The Contingent Permanent Deputy Fire Chief shall perform all duties customarily associated with the rank of Deputy Fire Chief, including but not limited to assisting the Chief of Operations in the overall administration, planning, coordination, supervision, and management of Fire Department operations and personnel, and undertaking such additional duties as may be assigned by the Fire Commissioner or designee.
Section 4. Funding. The salary and associated costs for the position authorized herein shall be funded through Budget Code A3410.101, and the Comptroller is authorized to take all actions necessary to effectuate such funding in accordance with the adopted budget.
Section 5. Purpose. The City Council finds that the creation of this position and the promotion authorized herein are necessary to maintain operational effectiveness, ensure continuity of leadership, improve supervisory coverage, and reduce overtime expenditures within the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
Section 6. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or provision of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council and subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.