FIREFIGHTER/EMS
RETIREMENT FACT SHEET
Special Separation Allowance
The Professional Fire Fighters
and Paramedics of North Carolina strongly support Fire and Rescue Special
Separation Allowance for firefighters and EMS
and encourage Senate members to support this legislation.
BACKGROUND
Fire fighting continues to be one of the most dangerous of
all professions. The sacrifices and
dangers inherent in fire fighting are generally known, but unfortunately, North
Carolina career firefighters’ retirement needs have not been realized.
In comparison of benefits of firefighters, law enforcement retirement
benefits in North Carolina, are much higher yet firefighting continues to be at
high risk in terms of injury on the job.
The frequency of occupational injuries and stress of the job take a
heavy toll on their bodies throughout their careers. Many are forced to retire due to a high rate
of failing health from injuries and illnesses.
After taxes and payment options, many retired firefighters in LGERS are
near or below poverty income level.
A solution to this retirement inequity lies within the powers
of the General Assembly by enacting legislation to allow the firefighter to
draw a Special Separation Allowance.
State and local government records show there is money available to pay
for it. A one half cent sales tax in
1983 and another one half cent in 1986 were authorized to pay for law
enforcement Special Separation Allowance and 401(k). According to state and local records, less
than half is being used for law enforcement retirement. Much of this tax is left over and would more
than cover the cost of Special Separation Allowance for career firefighters and
rescue squad personnel.
SOLUTION
Enact legislation that would grant career firefighters and
EMS personnel Special Separation Allowance benefits.
CURRENT LEGISLATION
S.B. 350 __Fire and Rescue
Separation Allowance
NC Senate Sponsor:
Fletcher L. Hartsell, Jr.
Summary S.B 350 would establish a
Special Separation Allowance for career fire fighters and EMS personnel within
the Local Governmental Employees Retirement System and Charlotte Retirement
Systems.
NC GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SB 350 was introduced 3/16/2011,
and was sent to the Senate Pensions and Retirement and Aging Committee.
