Post on 21-Jul-2020
FIRE & POLICE EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM www.bcfpers.org
To All F&P Retirees/Beneficiaries:
It is my sincere hope that this newsletter finds you and your family in good health. This has been a year like no other. COVID-19 has thrown us all for a loop. This has been
unchartered territory for all of us including the F&P. There was not a preplanned roadmap to follow, therefore, we were forced to pave our own way. How we handled COVID-19 would determine our future. To ensure the health and safety of everyone the F&P offices were locked down and the staff began teleworking from home. However, rest assured the business of the F&P continued uninterrupted. Benefit payments continued, retirement and estimate applications were processed and disability hearings will resume soon. In addition, calls from members were answered, emails were returned, bills were paid, and US postal mail was sent and received. There were a few occasions when staff members needed to enter the office and when that happened, all precautions were made to follow the health and safety guidelines. On the investment front I am sure you have seen or read the reports of the stock market falling during the COVID-19 crisis. I have been in constant contact with NEPC, the F&P’s investment consultant, as well as all of our investment managers. In addition, I have been increasing the F&P’s cash reserve. We expect the markets to continue to be unstable until a cure and vaccine are developed.
From The Desk of N. Anthony Calhoun
Quarterly Newsletters for Retired Members & Beneficiaries - Summer 2020
In the News……. 2
CDC COVID-19 Fact Sheet 4
Thanks to Essential Workers 5
F&P Updated Office Procedures 5
Ask the F&P: Monthly Benefit Payroll 6
Change of Address Reminder 7
Payroll Direct Deposit Request 7
Visiting the F&P Website 7
COVID-19 Scam Alert 8
What to Expect If a Second Wave of COVID-19 Strikes 8
Trustee Update 9
Contacting the F&P by Telephone 10
Keep 6 Feet from Other People 10
F&P Office Closings 10
F&P Contact Information 10
Member Retirements 11
In Memoriam 11
Requesting a Pension Verification Letter 12
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
N. Anthony Calhoun
Director’s Report continued on page 3
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Tax Filing Deadline Extended The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service extended the tax filing
deadline from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.
This announcement came following the President’s emergency declaration
pursuant to the Stafford Act. The Stafford Act is a federal law designed to bring
an orderly and systematic means of federal natural disaster and emergency
assistance for state and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities
to aid citizens. It was enacted in 1988.
The IRS will continue to monitor issues related to the COVID-19 virus, and updated information will be
posted on a special coronavirus page at www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments.
Baltimore City Retired Fire Officers and Fire Fighters Association
Join the Baltimore City Retired Fire Officers and Fire Fighters Association and celebrate fellowship with
great food and drinks while staying abreast of all the things that affect you as a retiree. The Association
also provides its members with a $1,000 death benefit. Please note fire retirees only have 180 days from the date of retirement to join the Baltimore City Retired
Fire Officers and Fire Fighters Association. Dues are $6.00 a month and can be paid by monthly payroll
deduction. The Baltimore City Retired Fire Officers and Fire Fighters Association typically meet the second Thursday
of each month. Monthly meetings will resume in September and will be held at Columbus Gardens located
at 4301 Klosterman Drive, Nottingham Maryland 21236. For more information on the Baltimore City
Retired Fire Officers and Fire Fighters Association please contact David G. Franz at 410-499-5638 or
bcfdretirees@comcast.net.
Baltimore Retired Police Benevolent Association The Baltimore Retired Police Benevolent Association (BRPBA) is an organization comprised of retired
Baltimore City Police Officers and the widows/widowers of Officers who have passed. The BRPBA offers
a Death Benefit of up to $1,000.00. The BRPBA Distress Fund supports fellow Officers and/or their families in times of need. Since its
inception, the Distress Fund has helped over 100 members with medical supplies, food or bills, or in times
of catastrophe like a fire or flood. The BRPBA offers a no charge license plate program, a quarterly newsletter, monthly meetings with a
buffet and drinks, and socialization, a yearly Bull and Shrimp roast, a yearly Holiday party, and so much
more. BPRBA membership is $8.00 a month, and can be paid by monthly payroll deduction. The BPRBA
typically meets the third Tuesday of each month except for July and August. For more information on the
BRPBA please call Daryl Buhrman at 410-803-2293 or send a request via email to
brpbaoffice@gmail.com.
IN THE NEWS…
Every effort has been made to ensure this information contained in this newsletter is correct. However, in case of any discrepancy, the provisions of the legal documents, policies, and law (Article 22 of the Baltimore City Code) embodying the F&P will govern.
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I want to take a moment to thank both the F&P staff and our membership for acknowledging the gravity of the situation we were all facing. While teleworking has its advantages it can also be a challenge. I want to thank the staff for being flexible, working assignments and positions that usually does not fall under their individual purview and overall doing whatever was asked of them. I also want to thank the F&P’s Information Technology department for transferring the necessary systems needed for teleworking on short notice. I also want to thank our entire membership for their understanding and patience during this difficult time. Speaking with our members I found it uplifting that they were just as concerned for the health and safety of the staff as they were for themselves. While we may have trouble seeing it, I do believe there is a light at the end of this very long tunnel. We will meet this challenge head on and in the end we will be better for it. While we grieve for the over 100,000 people in the United States who lost their battle against COVID-19, we hold on to the hope that in the future we will return to the habits and traditions that each of us consider normal. When we look back on COVID-19 and social distancing years from now, while we will remember the difficult times, I believe we will also treasure the moments and memories we made with our loved ones . Have a great summer. Until we meet again and we will meet again… stay safe and stay healthy!
N. Anthony Calhoun Executive Director
From The Desk of N. Anthony Calhoun Director’s Report continued from page 1
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F&P Thanks Essential Workers
The F&P Board of Trustees and staff would like to thank the essential workers who
were on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis. We thank all essential workers who
selflessly gave all of themselves for us.
We thank the first responders from the Baltimore City Fire Department and Baltimore
Police Department, healthcare workers, truck drivers, grocery store workers, the
sanitation department, US Postal Service and everyone who put themselves in daily
peril to keep our communities functioning.
Many of these jobs were under valued before the pressure of COVID-19 was added. So we simply would
like to take a moment to express our gratitude to all the dedicated workers who kept us safe, sane, and
healthy.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Update on F&P Office Procedures
As the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore begins to loosen
restrictions, in an effort to adapt to a new normal the F&P has updated
its office procedures.
Social distancing and limiting face-to-face contact with others is the
best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Since people can spread
the virus before they even realize they are sick, it is important to stay
away from others when possible.
The building in which the F&P is located will take the temperature of
everyone who enters. This includes staff, delivery workers, visitors and
all vendors.
Though not encouraged, the F&P will begin accepting walk-in visitors on a limited basis. Appointments
will be encouraged for all issues that cannot be handled over the telephone or through email.
Mask and face coverings will be required for anyone entering the F&P offices. We are washing our hands
frequently and there will be enhanced office cleanings along with frequent wiping of high contact surfaces.
Hand sanitizer will available the office entrance. The F&P will also limit the number of people inside the
offices at one time. In addition, the F&P will enforce the social distancing 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) rule.
Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and
spread COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting
themselves, their family and their community.
F&P Accounting Reception Section
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Ask the F&P: Monthly Benefit Payroll
What happens if the 15th is on a weekend or a
holiday? When will I receive my benefit
payment?
If the benefit payment date of the 15th
falls on a
weekend or a holiday then you will receive your
benefit payment on the prior business day.
Does each benefit payment cover the full month?
Yes. When your benefit payment is paid to you on
the 15th it will be for the full month.
What do the new payment titles stand for?
ANNUITY – Member contributions that
were paid to the F&P while an active
member
PENSION – The allowance calculated based
on your average final compensation
(AFC) and years of service
VARIABLE – Pre-2010 COLA (post-
retirement increase)
EXCLUS – Non-taxable portion of the
benefit
LOD-ANNUITY - The nontaxable annuity
for Line-of-Duty Death or 100% Disability
NT-ANN – The nontaxable annuity for Line-
of-Duty Death or 100% Disability
NT-PEN – The nontaxable pension for Line-
of-Duty Death or 100% Disability or Line- of
-Duty Disability
NT-VAR – The nontaxable pre-2010 COLA
(post-retirement increase) for Line-of-Duty
Death or 100% Disability or Line-of-Duty
Disability
WCO – Workers Compensation Offset for
Disability Retirements and Deaths (Not
included in your gross)
NONTAX – Annuity for Line-of-Duty
Disability
***The total of these payment titles that you see
on your check stub or direct deposit summary
makeup your gross monthly benefit.
Does annuity mean I am losing money?
No. Annuity is simply the member contributions
that were contributed to the F&P when you were
an active member. The contributions you made
as an active member are returned to you in each
benefit payment you receive.
I have specific questions concerning my
healthcare. Who should I contact?
For any questions concerning your healthcare or
healthcare deductions please contact Department
of Human Resources: Employee Benefits
Division at 410-396-5830 or 410-396-5831.
I have specific questions concerning my MECU
deductions. Who should I contact?
For specific questions concerning any MECU
deductions, please contact MECU at 410-752-
8313, and select Option 5 followed by Option 2.
For questions about the F&P payroll contact
the F&P accounting section at 410-497-7929,
Option 2.
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Change of Address Reminder
As a retiree or beneficiary of the F&P, it is important to keep your address current.
Throughout the year you receive important documents from the F&P including your
benefit payment checks or direct deposit advices, healthcare information, retiree/
beneficiary statements, newsletters, and tax forms. Therefore, it is imperative that you
maintain a current mailing address with the F&P.
The F&P Change of Address Form can be obtained by calling F&P member services at
410-497-7929, Option 1. The form is also available on the F&P website
www.bcfpers.org. Click on Membership then proceed to Retirees/Beneficiaries and click
on Retiree/Beneficiary Forms. All forms must contain your signature to be accepted by the F&P.
Completed forms can be submitted through the U.S. postal mail, via fax, and scanned email.
The F&P does not accept address change requests over the phone.
Payroll Direct Deposit Request
Direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive your F&P benefit payment.
The Payroll Direct Deposit Request form can be obtained by calling the F&P member services at
410-497-7929, Option 2. The direct deposit form is also available on the F&P website www.bcfpers.org.
Click on Membership then proceed to Retirees/Beneficiaries and click on Retiree/Beneficiary Forms. The
direct deposit form must contain your signature to be accepted by the F&P.
If the F&P receives your signed completed Payroll Direct Deposit Request form between the 1st and 25th
of the month then your direct deposit will be effective on the benefit pay date of the 15th for the following
month.
Visiting the F&P Website
Members are encouraged to visit the website at www.bcfpers.org.
The website was redesigned from the ground up. The F&P refreshed the
look and feel of the site, reorganizing the layout to make it easier to
navigate, and adding a photo gallery of the F&P members.
The F&P website is designed to provide members with online access to
the latest news, forms and information. In addition, the website offers
member’s helpful resources, investment flash reports, and benefit
payment dates .
8 FOCUS F&P | SUMMER 2020
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Avoiding COVID-19 Scams
As expected there has been a significant rise in scams related to COVID-19. In
times of need there are always people out there looking to take advantage of
others. Use good judgement. Remember nothing is free or being discounted for
those items in short supply and high demand. If you are not familiar with an email
address or a website, just delete it.
Here are some more tips to help you spot and avoid scams.
Falsely representing health organizations – Scammers posing as health authorities from the
World Health Organization (WHO) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who
may be offering cures and tests for COVID-19.
Websites that sell fraudulent products – Websites that offer hand sanitizer, face mask, personal
protective equipment (PPE), and other in-demand products that are overpriced and never arrive.
Scam artist posing as government sources – Some scams claim to issue payments on behalf of the
IRS or a local government tax authority.
Fraudulent financial offers – Scammers posing as banks, investors or debt collectors with offers
designed to steal financial information.
Fake nonprofit donation requests – Request for COVID-19 donations to nonprofits, hospitals or
other organizations should be checked carefully.
For more information on avoiding COVID-19 scams visit https://safety.google/securitytips-covid19/.
What to Expect If a Second Wave of COVID-19 Strikes
Most experts agree that a second wave of COVID-19 striking the United
States is a real possibility. While we all hope for the best, the F&P will
prepare for the worst.
If a second wave strikes and the Maryland area is once again forced to
limit personal contact with social distancing the F&P will follow suit.
Walk-in visits will be suspended and appointments will become
mandatory. Appointments will be handled via the telephone, email and in
some instances videoconferences. The F&P will accept documents and forms only through email, fax and
U.S. postal mail.
Depending on the severity of the second wave of COVID-19 the F&P may institute teleworking for some or
all staff members to limit any possible exposure.
It is impossible to know what the future hold, but what we can do is take what we have learned over these
few months and use it to prepare for the future.
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Retired Lieutenant Robert A.
Haukdal ran unopposed in the
recent election for Police
Department Retired Member
Representative Trustee.
According to the F&P Board
election policy, if only one
candidate is petitioned to the
ballot the Executive Director
was not required to print and distribute ballots.
Retired Lieutenant Haukdal was confirmed by the
Board as the Police Department retired member
trustee at the Board’s May 19, 2020, meeting.
Retired Lieutenant Haukdal will serve a four year
term beginning July 1, 2020, thru June 30, 2024.
Retired Lieutenant Haukdal has been the Police
Department Retired Member Representative Trustee
since 2012.
TRUSTEE
UPDATES
Retired Lieutenant Robert A. Haukdal Police Department Retired Member Representative Trustee
Retired Lieutenant Haukdal joined the police
department in 1969 and retired 36 years later in
2005 as Acting Director of the Fiscal Section.
Career assignments also included the Central,
Northern and Southeastern Districts, E&T, IID,
the Administrative Bureau and CID.
Retired Lieutenant Haukdal’s education includes
a B.S. in accounting and numerous course in
pension administration and investments.
Retired Lieutenant Haukdal is a member of the
BRPBA Board of Directors and he has been a
member of the FOP since the early 1970’s and
still regularly attends meetings.
Sergeant McKinley E. Smith Police Department Active Member Representative Trustee
Sergeant McKinley E. Smith
ran unopposed in the recent
election for Police Department
Active Member Representative
Trustee.
According to the F&P Board
election policy, if only one
candidate is petitioned to the ballot the Executive Di-
rector was not required to print and distribute ballots.
Sergeant Smith was confirmed by the Board as the
Police Department active member trustee at the
Board’s May 19, 2020, meeting.
Sergeant Smith will serve a four year term beginning
July 1, 2020, thru June 30, 2024. Sergeant Smith
has been the Police Department Retired Member
Representative Trustee since 2017.
Sergeant Smith is an 20 year veteran of the
Baltimore Police Department. He was promoted
to Sergeant in 2010 and is currently assigned to
the SOS/Motor Unit.
Sergeant Smith also completed the Criminal Jus-
tice Leadership program offered through the Bal-
timore Police Department.
He is honored to represent active members in
ensuring the proper administration of retirement
benefits.
Sergeant Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in
criminal justice from University of Maryland
University College.
He lives in Mount Airy, Maryland with his wife.
Board of Trustees’ Meetings - The F&P Board of Trustees typically meets every third Tuesday of the month.
Regular meetings of the Board of Trustees are open to the public. Check the F&P website for meeting dates at
www.bcfpers.org. Click on About Us then proceed to Board of Trustees and click on Board Meeting Dates.
Robert A. Haukdal
McKinley E. Smith
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Fire and Police Employees’ Retirement System
7 E. Redwood Street, 18th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
The F&P is located on the corner of Light and
Redwood Streets. It is beside the Delta Hotel.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. excluding holidays.
Main Number: 410-497-7929
Toll Free Line: 1-888-410-1600
Fax Number: 1-888-443-7008
Email Address: ContactBCFP@bcfpers.org
F&P Contact Information
Upcoming F&P Office Closings
The F&P office will be closed on the following dates:
Friday, July 3, 2020, in observance of Independence Day
Monday, September 7, 2020, in observance of Labor Day
Monday, October 12, 2020, in observance of Columbus Day
Tuesday, November 3, 2020, in observance of Election Day
Thursday, November 11, 2020, in observance of the Veterans Day
www.facebook.com/bcfpers
Change of Address Reminder
The F&P main number is 410-497-7929.
You can also dial toll free at 1-888- 410-
1600. As a retired member or a
beneficiary select option 2 for accounting
if you have questions concerning your
monthly benefit payment, you wish to stop
your direct deposit summary or if you need to report a
lost or missing check. In addition, the accounting section
will help you obtain a duplicate tax Form 1099-R. Select option 1 for member services if you need to make
an appointment; request a duplicate retiree statement;
request a Pension Verification Letter, speak with a
Retirement Benefits Analyst; request a Change of
Address form, a Tax Withholding form or have
questions concerning widowhood certifications; or if you
need to submit a power of attorney. Your family should
also contact member services as soon as possible in the
event of your death. Select option 5 for directions and hours of operation.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO F&P RETIREES
FIRE DEPARTMENT RETIREES
POLICE DEPARTMENT RETIREES
Steven L. Dorn Matthew J. Dzambo James C. Handley Yolanda Irizarry Ronda L. McCoy John R. Peer Carl A. Randolph
Darryl K. Shillenn Edward Slacum Steven W. Sturm Lloyd E. Wells, Sr.
David M. Cox Robert G. Folderauer Michael C. Meyers
Terry J. Morgan Michael J. Willie
IN MEMORIAM We Will Never Forget Their Service
James R. McAbee Carter H. Myer
Gary P. West Alphonso W. Wright
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Presort standard
U.S Postage
PAID
The Mailman
This publication was composed by:
Fire & Police Employees’
Retirement System
7 East Redwood Street, 18th Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Email: ContactBCFP@bcfpers.org
Website: www.bcfpers.org
Facebook: www.facebook/bcfpers.org
Baltimore Area 410-497-7929
Toll Free 1-888-410-1600
Board of Trustees
Peter E. Keith, Esq., Chairman
William R. Hudson, Vice-Chairman
Frank B. Coakley
Paul S. DeSimone
Benjamin F. DuBose, Jr.
Niles Ford, PhD
Michael Harrison
Robert A. Haukdal
Steve Kraus
Joan M. Pratt, CPA
McKinley Smith N. Anthony Calhoun
Executive Director
Requesting a Pension Verification Letter
F&P is often asked to provide a letter confirming the current annual
benefit for a retiree or beneficiary. This is most often requested by a
retiree or beneficiary for housing income verification purposes,
and for a new loan or refinancing an existing loan. A pension verification letter request will be honored by F&P if
made by the retiree or beneficiary, or the requesting organization,
if authorized by the retiree or beneficiary. The information provided
is confidential and will not be released to a third party without the
retiree’s or beneficiary’s written consent. Retiree/beneficiary pension verification letters will be mailed
within five (5) business days to the retiree’s or beneficiary’s current
address on the F&P payroll file. To request a pension verification letter please contact F&P member
services. Telephone: 410-497-7929, Opt. 1
Toll Free Line: 1-888-410-1600, Opt. 1 Fax: 1-888-443-7008
Email: ContactBCFP@bcfpers.org
FOCUS F&P FIRE & POLICE EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT System
CITY OF BALTIMORE
7 EAST REDWOOD STREET, 18TH FLOOR
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21202