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Quarterly Newsletter

1st Quarter of 2012

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Policy 2119: Firefighter Relief and Pension

Policy 2119: Firefighter Relief and Pension

YAKIMA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 12

10000 ZIER ROAD

YAKIMA, WA  98908

 

POLICY #                              2119                                              

 

COMMISSION CHAIR SIGNATURE:      s/b      Marshia Goss

 

EFFECTIVE DATE:                        2/1/96

REVISED DATE:                 09/09/08

                                                01/10/12

 

POLICY TITLE:                   FIREFIGHTER RELIEF AND PENSION BENEFITS

REFERENCE:                     RCW 41.24

Volunteer firefighters' and reserve officers' relief and pensions

1.0 PURPOSE

 

The purpose of this policy is to provide Members disability and pension benefits for services to their community, through the Washington State Board for Volunteer Firefighters.

 

2.0 THE DISTRICT TO PROVIDE DISABILITY BENEFITS

 

The Department shall enroll all eligible Members in the Washington Volunteer Relief Program within 24 hours of date of hire and pay the annual fee for each member enrolled.

 

3.0 DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE PENSION

 

The Department shall contribute to the Washington State Board for Volunteer Firefighters the yearly contribution for all eligible members in January of each year

 

 

 

 

4.0 ELIGIBLE MEMBERS

 

New Members are eligible in January after their date of hire except Cadets whom are eligible the January following promotion to Firefighter. 

 

All members must meet minimum standards of 50% drill attendance and 15% call attendance to receive pension credit for each year they are enrolled.

 

Members with six or more months of leave within a credit year will not receive pension credit for that year.

 

Fully vested Members (25 credit years paid) will not receive pension credit or payment for any subsequent years.

 

5.0 RETIREMENT

 

A member is fully vested after twenty-five credit years have been paid into the system and is eligible to receive a monthly pension from the Washington State Board for Volunteer Firefighters.  Fully vested members age 60-64 are eligible to receive a pro-rated pension based on their age when they begin drawing.  Fully vested members at age 65 or above when they begin drawing receive a full pension.  If less than twenty-five credit years are paid in, the monthly pension payment is decreased accordingly.  At least ten credit years must be paid in for the retired member to qualify for a monthly pension amount, less than ten credit years will result in complete cash out.

 

6.0 RETIRE – REHIRE

 

Retired participants in the Washington State Board for Volunteer Firefighters may resume volunteer service with approval by the Board of Trustees at their discretion under the following conditions:

a.    The retired member is not eligible for disability payments pursuant to RCW 41.24.150 in the event that the retired member becomes disabled as a result of the performance of his or her duties.

b.    The retired member is required to submit to an annual medical examination by the District Physician at the District’s expense and may resume volunteer service only if the District Physician certifies each year that the retired member meets appropriate medical and health standards for the position of Combat Firefighter.

c.    The retired member must be at least sixty-five years of age and has been retired by the Board of Trustees under RCW 41.24.170 and has been in receipt of a monthly pension for no less than three months.

d.    The retired member must apply to the District for membership and follow the District’s established hiring practice outlined in policy 2109 including, application, physical ability, interview, medical exam and drug screening during the established hiring period (application in by May 31 and new hire start date of August 1).

e.    No period of service by a retired member may be used to calculate their retirement pension.

f.     A candidate may be disqualified from consideration if: (1) found physically unable to perform the duties of the position (and the individual’s condition cannot reasonably be accommodated in the workplace); (2) the candidate refuses to submit to a medical examination or complete medical history forms; or (3) if the exam reveals use of alcohol and/r controlled substances.

g.    Candidate is expected to operate a motor vehicle and will be required to present a valid Washington State driver’s license.

 

6.1 BOARD OF TRUSTEES CONSIDERATIONS

 

When the District elects to permit retired members to resume volunteer service the District shall be required to pay an additional annual charge based on the increased cost of medical and relief benefits for retired members, the amount of the additional charge is set by the State Board. 

 

The Board of Trustees will consider the need for the retired member based upon the current needs at the station they would be assigned to and the number of applicants and new recruits for that station.

 

Retired members eligible to resume service will do so at the rank and pay of Firefighter, Firefighter/First Responder or Firefighter/EMT.  Retire/Rehire members will not hold Combat Officer rank and must meet the minimum requirements for the position of Firefighter.

 

7.0 DEPARTMENT TO APPOINT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

A Board of Trustees shall be appointed by the Department to administer the Washington State Volunteer Relief and Pension Act pursuant to the statute. The Board shall consist of:

 

A.        Chairman of Board of Commissioners

B.        Secretary of the Department

C.        Commissioner (Appointed by Board of Commissioners)

D.        Fire Chief

E.        Firefighter (Appointed by Firefighter Association)

 

The Board shall meet on a monthly basis or at the call of the Chairman when necessary.

 

 

 

8.0 CLAIMS APPROVED BY THE BOARD

 

The State Board shall be notified in writing of an injury to an enrollee within 90 days and a claim must be filed within 1 year in order for claims to be authorized for payment.

 

9.0 SECRETARY TO MAINTAIN RECORDS

 

The Secretary shall maintain minutes and a record of all injuries and actions taken by the Board of Trustees.