KRS 95.762: Examination and qualifications of applicants for police and fire

departments -- Political discrimination forbidden -- Guarantee of tenure --

Decrease of personnel.

(1) The commission shall require all applicants for appointments as members o f the

police or fire departments to be examined as to their qualifications to fill the office

of policeman or firefighter, and as to their knowledge of the English language, and

as to the law and rules governing the duties of policemen and firefighters. Ev ery

member of the police or fire department shall be able to read and write and

understand the English language, and have such other general qualifications as may

be prescribed.

(2) No person shall be appointed a member of the police or fire departments un less he

is well known to be a person of sobriety and integrity, and has been and is an

orderly, law-abiding citizen, nor shall any person be appointed as a member of said

police or fire departments on account of any political, partisan service rendered by

him or on account of political sentiments or affiliations. No member of the police or

fire departments shall be removed or discharged or reduced in grade or pay for any

political partisan opinion. The appointment and continuance upon the police and

fire departments shall depend solely upon the ability and willingness of a person to

comply with the rules of the said departments and to perform the duties of said

departments. No appointment to or continuance as a member of a police or fire

department shall be as a reward for political activity nor be obtained by political

services or contributions to campaign funds.

(3) The examination and qualifications provided for in this section shall not apply to

the members of the regular police and fire departments at th is time, who have been

continuously in the service for a period of three (3) years.

(4) Members of police and fire departments otherwise qualified under this law shall

hold their positions during good behavior, provided, however, that the provisions of

KRS 95.761 to 95.784 shall not prevent the said city legislative body from

increasing or decreasing the number of policemen or firefighters, as may be deemed

proper from time to time, and provided further, that in the event the said city

legislative body decr eases the number of policemen or firefighters, the youngest

member in point of service shall be the first to be reduced and returned to the

eligible list and to advance according to the rules and regulations of said

department.

(5) The civil service commis sion may provide that appointments for initial permanent

employment may be probationary appointments for a period of not more than

twelve (12) months, after which probationary period regular appointments shall be

given to all probationary employees who are deemed to be satisfactory by the

respective appointing authority.