Senate OKs Bill Letting Firefighters Retire Later
A bill to raise the mandatory retirement age for federal firefighters, including those who work in Los Padres National Forest and at Ventura County’s two naval bases, has passed the U.S. Senate.
The Federal Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act, written by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley), would raise the retirement age from 55 to 57. The bill was passed by the House in January and by the Senate last week.
“Common sense dictates that having experienced firefighters on the line and in management positions increases safety for all firefighters and provides greater efficiency in putting out fires,” Gallegly said.
The younger retirement age was implemented several years ago when unemployment rates were higher and life expectancy rates lower. The bill, if signed by President Bush, is expected to save $4 million over five years.
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