New Legislation Clarifies Pension Issues for Returning Firefighters

Legislative changes may assist volunteer fire departments recruit and retain volunteer firefighters.
(Published Jun 27, 2012)

The Office of the State Auditor has issued a position statement regarding legislative changes affecting pensions for firefighters returning to duty. The new language may assist volunteer fire departments recruit and retain volunteer firefighters.

Legislative changes in 2009, 2010, and 2012 altered the way resumption of active service after retirement or a break in service is handled. A volunteer firefighter who returns to the same volunteer fire department from which he or she separated from service may now earn additional credit for service, if the break in service was at least 60 days long and if the bylaws of the fire relief association permit it.

The legislative changes provide greater flexibility for volunteer fire relief associations in dealing with return-to-service issues, and provide greater clarity to those who must calculate service pensions for members returning from breaks in service.

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