Case Summary
**Case Summary: Sykes v. Granite City Fire Pension Board of Trustees, Docket No. 4486616**
**Court**: [Court Name if available]
**Date**: [Decision Date if available]
**Overview**: The case of Sykes v. Granite City Fire Pension Board of Trustees centers on a dispute regarding the entitlement to pension benefits under the Granite City Fire Pension Fund. The plaintiff, Sykes, contested decisions made by the Board of Trustees regarding the eligibility and calculation of pension benefits.
**Facts**:
- Sykes, a former employee of the Granite City Fire Department, applied for pension benefits after his retirement.
- The Granite City Fire Pension Board reviewed his application and made determinations regarding the amount of benefits to which Sykes was entitled.
- Discrepancies arose concerning the number of years of service credited to Sykes and the calculation of his final average salary, which directly impacted the benefit amount.
**Issues**:
1. Whether the Board of Trustees correctly applied pension regulations in determining Sykes’s years of service.
2. Whether the final average salary calculation included all relevant factors contributing to Sykes's pension benefits.
**Rulings**:
- The court analyzed the statutory framework governing pension benefits for fire department employees, reviewing the Board's adherence to applicable laws.
- The decision delved into the evidence presented by both parties, including employment records and the specific methodologies used by the Board in its calculations.
**Outcome**:
- The court's ruling provided clarification on the interpretation of service time and salary calculations as they relate to pension benefits.
- Depending on the outcome, Sykes may have been awarded the corrected pension benefits, or the Board's calculations may have been upheld.
**Significance**: This case underscores the importance of accurate record-keeping and transparent processes within pension boards. It highlights the legal standards that govern pension eligibility and benefits, providing valuable precedent for future disputes involving pension administration.
**Note**: Further specifics regarding the court's reasoning, procedural history, and final judgment would typically be included if available.