North Dakota Forest Service firefighters. (Provided by North Dakota Forest Service via the North Dakota Monitor)
(Mary Steurer – North Dakota Monitor) – State firefighters may soon be able to retire 10 years earlier as the North Dakota Legislature considers a bill to allow them to participate in the state’s retirement plan for public safety officials.
House Bill 1112, brought by the North Dakota Forest Service, would move state firefighters to the state’s public safety plan, which already includes local government firefighters and law enforcement. This would allow them the ability to retire at age 55 with three years of service, or when they have a combined age and service of 85.
State firefighters are currently on the state’s main retirement plan, which allows employees to retire at age 65, or earlier depending on the length of service.
“Unlike most state employees, firefighters, law enforcement and other specialized positions all put their own lives at risk while at work to protect the lives and the property of others,” State Forester Tom Claeys told lawmakers on the House Government and Veteran Affairs Committee at a hearing.
Compared to the general population, fighters are at significantly higher risk of developing cancer and other illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
