Bush Signs Gallegly’s Law on Firefighters
President Bush this week signed legislation by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) that raises the mandatory retirement age for federal firefighters from 55 to 57.
The law went into effect immediately and applies to firefighters across the nation, including those who work in Los Padres National Forest and at Naval Base Ventura County. Nationwide, nearly three-fifths of U.S. Forest Service firefighters are 45 or older.
Gallegly said extending the mandatory retirement age would bring regulations for firefighters in line with rules for federal law enforcement officers. Sen. Dianne Feinstein sponsored the legislation in the Senate.
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