Quarterly Newsletters for Retired Members & …...resume soon. In addition, calls from members were answered, emails were returned, bills were paid, and US postal mail was sent and

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

[email protected].

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

[email protected].

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.

FOCUS F&P| SUMMER 2020 3

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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 .

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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.

FOCUS F&P| SUMMER 2020 9

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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: [email protected]

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.

FOCUS F&P| SUMMER 2020 11

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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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

FOCUS F&P FIRE & POLICE EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT System

CITY OF BALTIMORE

7 EAST REDWOOD STREET, 18TH FLOOR

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21202