Return of Company Property Upon Termination of Employment

ProudAmerican

My organization is trying to come up with a notice and consent form to be signed by volunteer and resident firefighters when they first start working and volunteering with our fire organization. When they start with us, they are assigned valuable equipment (radio; pager; turnouts; SCBA's, etc.) worth several thousand dollars. We have had problems with these firefighters just leaving or moving away and not returning the equipment. We'd like to be able to require them to sign a notice and consent form which would constitute a consent to a judgment being taken against them for the value of the equipment if it is not returned and the fire organization has to sue for the return of or value of the equipment. Does anyone have any comments about the consent to judgment idea? How about how other suggestions? Something with teeth? Thanks!

Sharon McKnight SPHR

You could start with an equipment sign-out sheet that lists the equipment along with its dollar value. Include a disclaimer that explains that all equipment must be returned in good working order, etc. upon separation from the organization and that failure to return equipment will result in a debt owed to the organization and/or may result in legal action. Be sure to include places for signature, date, etc. You might consider having the signatures notarized as well. Also, you might consider requiring a deposit on each piece of equipment. Most people tend to return things so they can recover their deposit.

My best advice, however, is to consult with qualified legal counsel to obtain a comprehensive form that covers all the bases.

Sharon